THE 



BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 



A- TALE 

OF THE 

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY: 

AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE 

OF 

THRILLING ADVENTURES 

m THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE WESTERN COUNTRY. 



BY EDWARD BONNEY. 



TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND. 

CHICAGO: 
D. B. COOKE & CO., PUBLISHERS. 

y 1856. 



-^ 






',131' 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by 

D. B. COOKK & CO., 

In the Clerk's Oflioe of the District Court of the Northern District of Illinois. 






INTRODUCTION. 



Before entering fully upon our tale of blood, wt.i ch will thrill 
every heart, with a shuddering sense of the brutality of man, we 
would premise, by stating briefly, a few of the reasons that have 
led to this exposure. 

The public are desirous of obtaining the facts and testimony con- 
cerning two of the most horrible and cold blooded murders that 
were ever recorded in the annals of crime; and the possession of 
such facts as would at once bring the remainder of the perpetra- 
tors to a summary and severe punishment. Great have been the 
depredations of the organized band of robbers that once, and still to 
some extent, infest the Western portion of the fair state of Illinois; 
and the good and honest citizens of Rock Island have had calumny 
and abuse heaped upon their heads to an unlimited extent by these 
cowardly ruflians, and that without a single chance of refutation. 

To refute, also, the charge of hanging " innocent men," as for 
instance John Long, one of the most notorious of the gang, and 
plainly disprove the many falsehoods that they have from time 
to time caused to appear in the public journals, to sustain the inno- 
cent, and fearlessly expose the guilty, these hastily written records 
have been macie public and without fear or favor they arc sent 
broadcast over the land, which was the scene of their cold blooded 
ed murders, and which was also the place of their condemnation 
and downfall. 

With these simple explanations we turn at once to the subject of 
the narrative, confident that all will be interested and satisiied. 



THE 

BANDITTI OF THE PKAKIES 

OR, TJIE 
A 

TALE OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 

CHAPTER. I. 

The Valley of the Mississippi River from its earliest settle- 
ment has been more infested with reckless and blood-stained men, 
than any other part of the country, being more congenial to their 
habits and offering the greatest inducements to follow their nefari- 
ous and dangerous trade. 

Situated as it is, of great commercial importance, and the river 
whose name it bears together with its tributaries stretching four 
thousand miles north from the gulf of Mexico, and draining all 
the country South and West of the great chain of Lakes, and be- 
tween the Alleghany and Rocky Mountains, it has afforded them 
an unequalled chance to escape detection and pursuit, and thus 
wooed as it were, countless viilians and blood-stained, law-doomed 
ones to screen themselves in its bosom. 

Organized bands, trampling upon right, and defying all law hu- 
man or divine, have so annoyed the peaceful and quiet citizens of 
this great valley, that in the absence of a sufficient judicial power 
the aid of "Judge Lynch" has been but too frequently called in, 
and a neighboring tree proved a gallows and "a short shrift and 
strong cord" been the doom of those who have ever plead vainly 
fc- naercy at his bar. 



10 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

But this mode of summary punishment only served to drive 
those really guilty from one section of the country to another, 
changing for a time their plan of action and operations, without, 
in the least, reforming or exterminating them, while in many in- 
stances the innocent were made to atone for the crime of the 
guilty. 

I*, would be useless to attempt to enumerate the thousand rob- 
beries and scores of murders committed from time to time by the 
oiganized and lawless Banditti, and our task shall be simply and 
plainly to detail the particulars of a few, of the many committed 
by that portion of the gang infesting the country bordering on the 
L'pper Mississippi. To track them plainly and fearlessly — to visit 
them in their most secret hiding places, and expose their most hid- 
den plans is the purpose of this narrative. This will include, fully, 
the particulars of the murder of Miller and Liecy in Lee County 
Iowa, also that of Col. George Davenport at Rock Island, in the 
State of Illinois; also the pursuit, capture, arrest, trial, conviction 
and execution of Stephen and William Hodges, John and Aaron 
Long, and Glanvill Young: the pursuit, arrest, and escape of Wm. 
Fox and Robert Birch, and conviction of John Baxter, with the 
names and places of residence of a large number of the gang who 
are yet at large and unsuspected, with their mode of operations in 
their daring robberies and murders. 

Such is the tale we have undertaken and we enter upon it fear- 
lessly, in the firm belief that we shall be sustained and repaid for 
the time and money it has cost to procure the many facts here set 
down. At once, then, we begin. 

In the fall and winter of 1814, a large number of robberies and 
murders of the most daring and blood-thirsty kind, were commit- 
ted, and yet so perfect was the organization of the perpetrators 
that all efforts to bring them to justice, proved abortive. So great 
indeed was the terror that they had inspired, mat the good, quiet 
and orderly citizens, before retiring to rest at night, made all pre- 
parations for resistance that were in their power, and armed to 
tlie teeth, with doors and windows securely barred and bolted, laid 
down in fear and trembling to wish for the return of morning 
again. 

Among tho robberies committed was that of a stage belonging 



OR, THK murderer's DOOM. 11 

to Frink, Walker & Co., neai Rockford, Illinois. A plan had long 
beeji on foot to rob the Dixon Land Office, and this was the end to 
be accomplished by the robbery of the stage. It was well known 
to many that a large amount of money, received from the sales of 
the public land, was deposited there and was about to be removed. 
One of the gang, in (%der to ascertain the particulars and the pre- 
cise time of its removal, took occasion to ask the Receiver "when 
he intended to go to Chicago;" that being the place where the de- 
posit was to be made. The Receiver, however, being upon his 
guard and a prudent man, set the time one week later than he in- 
tended to start, and thereby baffled the preconcerted schemes of 
the robbers. 

At the time designated for making the deposit, the stage coach 
was intercepted, and a trunk taken which was supposed to contain 
the land office money. Nothing, however, of value was found in 
it, with the exception of some rich clothing. Great exertions were 
made to ascertain who were guilty, but without avail, and the cau- 
tion of the Receiver was the safeguard. 

Some time in the winter of 1844 or early in 1845, it was ru- 
mored that a Mr. Mulford in Ogle County, had in his possession a 
large amount of money that he had recently received from the 
State of New York. This information was communicated to the 
gang by their friends at Washington Grove, in Ogle County, and 
immediate preparations were made by them to secure this prize, 
the amount of which was said to be about fourteen thousand dol- 
lars. 

To accomplish this it was decided to be most advisable to com- 
mit the robbery under the cover of night. Minute information be- 
ing necessary, one of the gang under the assum-ed name of Har- 
ris, visited the house for the avowed purpose of obtaining employ- 
ment. Mr. Mulford wished to hire for six months, but Harris 
declined to engage for a longer term than three months, and there 
was some diffiirence in opinion between them about wages. Har- 
ris, after some further conversation during which he carefully 
looked around, left with a promise to call again in a few days. 
How well he kept that promise the sequel will show ! 

A few nights after this, three men entered the house of Mr. 
Mulford, disguised and fully armed with pistols and knives. Imme 



12 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! if', 

diatcly on tlieir entrance one seized a loaded rifle belonging to 
Mulford, that was standing in one corner of the room, and aiming 
it at his head, threatened him with instant death if he attempted to 
move or speak, and at tiie same time demanded his money. His 
wife also, who was by his side, was threatened in case she attempt- 
ed to give any alarm or raise from her pillow. 

Mr. Mulford told the r«bbers that he had bat little money and 
wheie it was concealed. This, amounting to about four hundred 
dollars, they eagerly seized, and then by threats of instant death, 
attempted to make him give them the large sum they thought in 
his possession. Again and again he assured them that he had giv- 
en them all he had, but thinking that he was de^^eiving them they 
began to search the house. The one who had the rifle remained 
at the bed side of Mr. and Mrs. Mulford as a guard, another sta- 
tioned himself at the door, while the third whom Mrs. Mulford 
recognized as Harris, searched every part of the house. 

Like an old and experienced hand in such matters, Harris allow- 
ed nothing to escape him, and even went so far as to bring several 
large cakes of tallow from the cellar and cut each completely 
apart, with a stroke of his large bowie knife, in order to satisfy 
himself that they did not contain money. A bureau in the room 
of Mrs. Mulford contained a large quantity of linen neatly folded 
and arranged, and this also was carefully searched by Harris, who 
shook each piece out to see that no money was secreted in it, and 
then threw it carelessly upon the floor. 

Notwithstanding the perilous situation in which she was placed, 
and with death suri'ounding her on every side, ]Mrs. Mulford could 
not quietly see her linen, after the trouble it had cost h<ir to ar- 
range it, thrown into such disorder, and careless of the result, 
addressed the robber: 

"Mr. Harris," said she, "you conduct yourself very difl^erently 
from what you did the other day when you wished to obtain em 
ployment.'' 

The unveiled robber sprang to his feet with a loud oath, sur 
prised at the daring of the defenceless and heroic woman. With 
eyes flashing with rage he sprang to the bed side and drawing his 
bowie knife waived it above her head. 

" you lay down and cover up your head ! If you utter 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. ]3 

another word while we are in the house, I will make a stain on the 
floor that will last long after you are gone ! " 

Then turning to his comrades, he continued in an under tone, 
and one in which fear was plainly distinguished, 

" By 1 must be missing. I'm known, and this is no place 

for me. A minute more, boys, and I'm off'." 

The search was hastily finished and the robbers left the house 
with the exception of Harris, who remained for a moment behind 
and addressed Mr. Mulford. 

" Old man, do you intend to follow us ] " 

" I don't know," was the' reply. 

" Do you intend to follow us, I say 1 " 

" I can't tell. I have not thought about it." 

*' You must tell. What do you say, old man 1 " 

" I don't know that it will do any good/' 

"You had better not ! Take my advice and keep still. There 
are a good many of us, and you could not catch us if you were to 
try. We shall leave a man with a loaded rifle to guard your door, 
and if any one ventures out before sunrise a bullet will end their 
prying. Good bye, old man, we are off', and you follow if you 
dare ! " 

With this parting salutation the robbers left, and Mr. Mulford 
after remaining perfectly quiet for a short time ventured out doors, 
but could see nothing of his late and unwelcome visitors. In the 
morning he gave the alarm, and a minute search was made, but 
without avail. Nothing could be learned in regard to them, and 
after a short time, the matter was almost forgotten in the series of 
depredations that followed. 

In the Spring of 1844, a man in disguise entered the store of 
]Mr. McKinney at Rockford, Illinois, during the night, and took 
from behind the counter a trunk containing about seven hundred 
dollars, with which he was about leaving, when the clerk, a broth- 
er of Mr. McKinney who was sleeping on the counter, awoke, 
and demanded: 

'* Who is there ^ " 

" Your brother wants the trunk," was the reply. 

" But who are you 1 " 

" Your brother wants the trunk." 

*' But stop ! the trunk can't go. Who sent you for it 1 " 



14 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

"Look here," replied the robber taking the clerk by the hana 
and drawing the keen edge of a bowie knife lightly across his fin- 
gers: *' Do you feci that 1 it is very sharp, and I do not fear to 
use it ! Keep still and you shan't be hurt, but the trunk must 
go!" 

The clerk finding that he was contpletely in the power of the 
ruffian, and that resistance would be vain, suffered the robber to 
depart with his prize, without molestation. Immediately, howev- 
er, he alarmed the neighborhood and search was made, but neither 
the robber or trunk could be found. The following day, the trunk 
was found a short distance from the store broken open and rifled 
of its contents, but no trace of the robber could be discovered. — 
Another daring and unatoned for crime, to be charged to the des- 
perate Banditti of the Prairies. 

In the fall of 1844, a pedlar by the name of Miller was robbed 
of a large amount of goods at Troy Grove, but as usual the rob- 
bers remained undetected. A short time after, an attempt was 
made to rob a man near Inlet Grove, by two men who entered the 
house at night disguised and armed. One of the robbers feigned 
lameness, and perfectly imitated one Bliss at Inlet Grove, and the 
other was recognized as Dewey of the same place. Both were 
arrested, tried and convicted at the Spring term of the Lee Coun- 
ty Circuit Court, and furnished with lodgings and employment at 
the expense of the State for the tei'm of three years. 

Soon after this conviction, a train of suspicious circumstances 
led to the arrest of a man named West, at Inlet Grove, for the rob- 
bery of the pedlar at Troy Grove. Search was made, and won- 
derful as it may appear, a ])ortion of the goods were found in his 
house. 

West was committed to await his trial at the next term of the 
Court, but after remaining in prison a short time he offered to turn 
State's evidence and disclose all he knew concerning the gang. — 
This proposition was accepted, and he made what he called a full 
confession and disclosure, imjilicating a large number of men who 
were suspected, as well as many who had been heretofore watch- 
ed. Upon these disclosures, several arrests were made and some 
property that had been before stolen, recovered. Part of the 
goods that had been taken from the pedlar at Troy Grove were in 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. l5 

the house of one Sawyer at Inlet, who was anesteu, tried, con- 
victed and sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years. 

West accused one Fox, alias Sutton, and John Baker of having 
committed the robbery at Troy Grove, and said that most of the 
goods had been secreted at Inlet Grove, and subsequently taken to 
Iowa. He also avowed that Fox and Birch, alias Blecker, alias 
Harris, committed the robbery for which Bliss and Dewey were 
sent to prison, and that the former was totally innocent, while the 
latter was accessory, having " got up the sight." He further sta- 
ted, that Fox had robbed one Mr. Hascal, a merchant at Inlet, by 
entering the house during a very severe thunder storm, and crawl- 
ing upon the floor till he reached the trunk wherein was deposited 
the money, and having secured it, left without being heard, al- 
though Mr. and Mrs. Hascal were lying in the bed awake, at the 
time. To prove this. Fox subsequently stated the conversation 
that had passed between them while he was in the act of rifling 
the trunk ! 

These disclosures of West led to the arrest of Bridge and Oli- 
ver, who were convicted as accessory to the robbery of Mulfora, 
and sentenced to the Penitentiary, one for seven and the other for 
eight years. He also revealed many particulars relative to the 
robbery of the stage of Messrs. Frink, Walker & Co., and the 
plot in regard to the Dixon Land Office, and after attending seve- 
ral terms of Court as a witness, and being instrumental in some 
convictions, left the country of his disgrace and Villainy, it is 
thought, forever. 

In the fall of 1844, two men traveling as Mormon preachers, 
slopped with a man of the Mormon faith near Pekin, on the Illinois 
River, stayed several days and preached in the neighborhood. — 
(3ne of them exchanged a hundred dollar bill with the old man, 
telling him that Brigham Young wanted the gold to purchase ma- 
terials for the temple at Nauvoo, that could not be obtained for any 
other kind of money. By this exchange they ascertained where 
the old man kept his money, which amounted to nearly two thou- 
sand dollars, mostly in gold, and marked it for their prey. After 
remaining a few days longer, another of their comrades joined 
them and the three left their pious friend with many thanks for his 
hospitality, and good wishes for the cause of Mormonism. Little 



16 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

time, however, had elapsed, ere one of them returned, and enter- 
ing the old man's house in the night, took every cent of money he 
possessed, including the hundred dollar bill he had kindiy exchan- 
ged for them, and made his escape undiscovered. 

Early in the Spring of 1845, three men carelully disguised, en- 
tered the dwelling of a Norwegian family in Lee County, Iowa, 
during the dark hours of night, fully armed and prepared for rob- 
bery and bloodshed. With fearful oaths and imprecations, they 
demanded money. The terrified family gave the robbers all they 
possessed, but which, however, amounted to but a few dollars. — 
Disbelieving the words of the terrified ones, they proceeded to 
search the house, but without success, and having found a quantity 
of provisions ready cooked, they supped with much composure, 
and then, taking a quantity of clothing, left the house. 

Soon after this, a Mr. Smith was robbed in a similar manner, in 
the san:>e County, and apparently (from their operations) by the 
same band, and yet no clue could be obtained as to who they were, 
although Mr. Smith and his family were confident that they could 
recognize the robbers if they could see them. 

Briefly have we sketched a few of the most daring, robberies 
that were successfully carried through in the surrounding country, 
and that but to relate the facts, without embelishment, and now 
turn to what is of deeper interest, praying patience for the unin- 
teresting style of our narrative. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 17 



CHAPTER 11. 



THE MORMONS. 



Nauvoo, the nead-quarters of the Mormon chief and his satelites, 
had already increased to a population of sixteen or eighteen thou- 
sand. The great temple, which by the way, was built for the pur- 
pose of a fort or stronghold, was in process of erection, and rapid- 
ly being pushed on towards completion. Like the old established 
system of England, each member was required, aye, even compell- 
ed to give one-tenth of all he possessed, and annually thei*eafter 
give one-tenth of their income to the leaders of the church. The 
male members were also required to labor one-tenth of the time 
upon the tem.ple or pay an equivalent therefor, in case of failure in 
money, to the amount of such labor to the temple committee. A 
rod of iron — a scepter of might was held constantly over their 
heads to enforce these things, and woe betide the man who dare 
disobey the arbitrary mandates of that church militant. 

While the Mormons were rapidly increasing in numbers, and 
daily increasing their power and wealth, the country around was 
suffering severely from a succession of robberies almost without a 
parallel in the annals of crime. Stock of every description and 
goods of all kinds were constantly taken, and all in the vicinity 
trembled lest they like their neighbors, might be stripped of their 
all without a hope of restoration or revenge. 

The offenders were frequently tracked in the direction of Nau 
voo, and sometimes, though rarely, the property was recovered, 
but in no case could the perpetrators of the crime be arrested and 
brought to justice. In case of an arrest at Nauvoo the accused 
were immediately released by the City authorities, and the cry of 
" Persecution against the Saints^' raised, effectually drowning the 
pleas for justice, of the injured, and the officer forced to return 
and tell the tale of defeat. This done, the fugitive found a safe 
shelter under the wide spread wings of the Mormon leaders and 
laughed at pursuit 



18 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 

Repeated threats were made by the robbed and injurea, and as 
often answered by the cry of " Persecution against the Sanits ! " 
This cry was responded to from abroad by those who knew noth- 
ing of the real cause of complaint, with sympathy for the " poor, 
persecuted Mormons," and bitter denunciations against their per- 
secutors who were the j-eal sufferers and most deserving of sympa- 
thy. Thus affairs stood while still worse grew the troubles, and 
the bud of revenge was bursting into blossom. Even among them- 
selves, the seeds of discord were planted, and bitter words were 
telling that even "Saints" were not perfection, whatever they 
might claim for themselves, or whoever were their leaders. 

In the Spring of 1844, Wm. Law, a leading Mormon, openly 
charged the Prophet (Joseph Smith) with an attempt to seduce his 
wife. (This soon after became the spiritual wife doctrine, and was 
believed, and even preached to some extent by the leaders of the 
Mormon Church.) This charge was promptly denied by the 
Prophet, and Law was denounced in the most bitter terms for an 
alleged attempt to slander the Prophet — the holy head of the 
Church, and as a persecutor of the Saints. Summoned by the 
high tribunal of the Church Law appeared, refused to retract what 
he had said, and again avowed its truth, for which he w^as immedi- 
ately cut off from the Church. Being a man of considerable in- 
fluence, Law drew with him a few of the disaffected members of 
the Church, who were already tired of bowing in humble submis- 
sion, and paying tribute to the Prophet Joseph, and being held the 
ready subjects of his will and pleasure. 

Among these deserters were Wilso, Law, Frank, Higby, Foster, 
and others, who determined to put the world in possession of their 
grievances, by publishing a long train of corruption and crimes, 
countenanced and })racticed by the Prophets and heads of the 
Church, in which they had long been accomplices or accessory. — 
In order more effectually to accomplish their designs and bring 
themselves into notice they at once set about establishing a prin- 
cipal office at Nauvoo, in direct opposition to the will and special 
edict of the Prophet. 

In the month of May, A. D. 1844, the new press was put in ope- 
ration, and the prospectus and first number of a newspaper pub- 
lished under the title of the "Nauvoo Ex})Ositor." It contained a 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 19 

series of charges against Joseph Smith, and the leading men in the 
church, including bigamy, adultery, larceny, counterfeiting, &c. — 
In reply to this, the '' Nauvoo Neighbor," a newspaper printed un- 
der the dii'ection and control of the Prophet, charged the dissenters 
from the Mormon faith with the same crimes, and sustained many 
of the charges by the publication of numerous affidavits, n»ade, 
without doubt, by the Prophet's standing ivitnesses. Each appear- 
ed determined to out-do the other in the promulgation of slander 
and abuse, with which, according to their own stories, each had 
long possessed a knowledge of. If either were guilty of half they 
were accused of, the gallows had long been defrauded of its just 
dues, and earth was teeming with the base, the vile, and the blood- 
stained. 

But while the surrounding Country was suffering by and remon- 
strating against the perpetration of these crimes, and charging 
them justly upon the Mormons, they with one united voice echoed 
the cry of " Persecution for Righteousness' sake." Then was it 
that the old adage was fully proved, that when " rogues fall out 
honest men get their dues." 

Upon the issue of the first number of the "Expositor," the 
Prophet and his adherents determined to at once silence them by 
the destruction of the press, and the total annihilation of the office. 
The subject was brought before the City Council, and many infla- 
matory speeches were made, in most of which the members of the 
said Council participated. Smith, the Prophet, told them " that 
the time had come to strike the blow ! That God no longer re- 
quired them to submit to the oppression of their enemies, and that 
he should vote for the destruction of the press ; that it was a nui- 
sance, and he should order it destroyed as such ! " 

Hiram Smith spoke in substance the same as his brother, and 
also denounced in unmeasured terms. Sharp, the editor of the War- 
saw Signal. He said "he would give any man five hundred dollars 
who would go into the Signal office with a sledge and demolish 
the press. That it should be done at all hazards, even if it took 
his farm to pay for it ! " 

Upon calling for the vote, eleven voted for, and one against, 
declaring the Expositor a nuisance, and immediate measures were 
taken for carrying the ordinance for its destruction into effect. — 



20 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

This dissenting vote was a Mr. Warring, and the only anti-Mor- 
mon in the Council, and Httle was he regarded by the hot headed 
ones who were bent on destruction. 

The City Marshall, acting under the orders of the Council, rais- 
ed a force of several hundred men, headed by Gen. Dunham of the 
Nauvoo legion, armed with clubs, &c., and proceeded to the print- 
ing office. Meeting with no resistance, they entered the office, 
look the blank paper and other materials and burned them in the 
streets, pied the type, and taking the press into the street, broke it 
into pieces with hammers. 

This done, they repaired to the house of the Prophet who 
addressed them in terms of praise, applauding them for their, ser- 
vices, and telling them that they had but done their duty and up- 
held the law. In return he was loudly cheei'ed by the mob, after 
which they quietly and immediately dispersed. Some of the lea- 
ders, however, remained and congratulated each other upon their 
success, and the downfall of the power of their enemies. Fore- 
most among them was the Marshall, who thus addressed the 
Prophet: 

"General, this is the happiest hour of my life ! " 

*' Thank you, my good fellow,'' was the reply, " you have done 
well, done your duty, and shall be rewarded for it." 

This outrage upon the public press helped to fan the flame 
already kindled against the Mormon outlaws, by their repeated 
depredations u{)on the citizens of the surrounding country, and 
plainly foreshadowed the storm that was to burst with startling 
fury. 

The dissenting Mormons at once united with those opposed to 
that sect, and various meetings were called, and all parties urged 
to arm and orepare themselves to resist any further aggression; to 
be ready at all hazards to protect themselves and meet the worst. 
Warrants were issued against the Smiths, and other leaders, in tW 
destruction of the printing office of the Ex[)ositor, ana tnougn 
served by the proj>er officers, they refused to obey the mandates 
of the law, and laughed at its i)ower ! 

As in all former cases, the writ of Habeas Corpus was resorted 
to, and all the arrested at once set at liberty and discharged from 
arrest; the same persons that were arrested acting as officers of 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 21 

the Courts that discharged them ! Thus effectually defeating the 
ends of justice, and compelling the officer to return to Carthage 
without a single prisoner ! 

This mock administration of law, added new fuel to the flame. 
The public being convinced that Nauvoo was the headquarters of 
nearly all the marauders who were preying upon the surrounding 
community, together with the full belief that the Mormon leaders 
were privy to their depredations, and the resistance and defeat of 
justice, now became enraged, and determined to rise in their might 
and enforce the law, even though it should be at the point of the 
bayonet or sabre. Determined to rid themselves of the harpies 
that were gnawing at their very vitals, and if need be, rid them- 
selves of the whole Mormon population. Thoroughly aroused and 
conscious not only of their power but also the justice of their 
cause, they fearlessly avowed their purposes, and though still defy- 
ing, the most secret recesses of Mormondom trembled in view of 
the bursting of the tempest they had raised, but could not avert. 

The officer, from whose custody the Smiths and others were 
discharged, proceeded to summon a posse and renew the arrest 
from the adjacent counties, rallied under the banner of law and 
justice. The Mormon leaders learning this fact, gathered also 
their forces. The Nauvoo legion, organized at the call of the 
Prophet, fully armed and equipped and numbering nearly foiu* 
thousand, with three pieces of artillery prepared for a desperate 
resistance. 

The City of Nauvoo was declared under martial law, and all 
necessary preparations were made to sustain the edicts of the 
Prophet and the freedom of the crime stained ones or die in the 
attempt. 

The officer finding his force, or posse, far inferior to that of the 
Mormons, called upon the Governor of the State for aid to enforce 
the law and allow right, for a time to triumph over might. Gov- 
ernor Ford, learning the true state of affairs in Hancock County, 
immediately ordered out several companies of State troops, and 
repaired with them, in person, to suppress the disturbances, and 
enforce the law. On his arrival, he proceeded to examine into the 
causes of the difficulty, and despatched a messenger to Nauvoo, 
requiring the Prophet, Smith, to send a deputation to meet him at 

2 



22 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Carthage, and explain the conduct of the Mormons. Smith 
appointed John Taylor, one of the twelve apostles of the Church, 
and Dr. Burnhisle, a leading Mormon, to wait on the Governor. 

A full investigation was entered into, and Gov. Ford, instructing 
the officer having the writs from which the Mormons had dis- 
charged themselves, to proceed to Nauvoo and demand the sur 
render of the Smiths and others upon whom the wa'its had already 
been served, and in case of a refusal to obey the law, to enforce it 
at the point of the bayonet. At the same time pledging himself, 
as the Chief Executive of the State, to protect them from personal 
violence, and the troops under his command pledged themselves 
to sustain him. 

The officer with a sufficient guard set off for Nauvoo, having 
also an order to disband the Nauvoo Legion, which on his arrival 
was disbanded. The several persons named in the writs, also 
agreed to accompany him on the following morning without trouble: 
and how well it would have been, had their promise been faith- 
fully kept. 

Morning came, and the hour of their departure arrived, but the 
Prophet could not be found, having crossed the Mississippi river 
during the night with his brother Hiram, and secreted themselves 
in Iowa, and the otHcer was again forced to return to Carthage 
without the prisoners. 

Nauvoo was again a scene of confusion, all the inhabitants 
taking part in the trouble. Some rejoicing at the escape of the 
Prophet, while others were loud in their curses, avowing that he 
had deserted them, in the hour of danger left them to the mercy 
of their enemies, and was the cause of all their ditliculty. 

Smith before leavinfj had instructed his wife to take her children, 
with the family of his brother Hiram, on board the Steamer " Maid 
of Iowa." then lying at the foot of INIain street ready for dcpar- 
tui-e. and leave the city. With these instructions, however, she 
refused to comply, and remained at home. 

During the day, several desjiatches crossed the river to and from 
?.he Prophet; some advising him to seek safety in flight, and others 
urging him to return and save the city. Thus urged, the Prophet 
and his companion in flight, re-crossed the river about sunset, and 
on the following morning started for Carthage, and Nauvoo was 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 23 

again quiet. When within a few miles of Carthage, they were 
met by a detachment of State troops on their way to Nauvoo to 
demand the State arms there in possession of the Nauvoo Legion. 
The Smiths immediately retraced their steps, delivered up the arms 
on the order of the Governor, and again left for Carthage on the 
morning of the 26th of June. 

On arriving there, the prisoners were examined on the charge of 
riot in destroying the printing press, and held to bail for their ap- 
pearance at the next term of the Hancock Circuit Court. Joseph 
and Hiram Smith were arrested on charge of Treason, and com- 
mitted to await their examination. 

All being tranquil, and Governor Ford thinking an armed force 
no longer necessary disbanded his troops on the morning of the 
27th, leaving but a small force to guard the jail, and proceeded 
with his suite to Nauvoo. Here he addressed the Mormons, urg- 
ing upon them the necessity of observing and upholding the laws; 
preserving order, and respecting the rights of their fellow citizens, 
and telling them the inevitable result of a continuance of their for 
mer course of conduct. 

After the troops were disbanded, the most hostile of them believ- 
ing the Smiths eventually would be acquitted on the charge of 
treason, and the Mormons still continued their depredations, and 
deeming that the only way to secure safety was by ridding them 
of their leaders, thev still continued to fan the fiame of revenee 
that had heretofore been burning but too brightly. Urged on by 
the Mormon dissenters, who were thirsting for blood, they col- 
lected, to the number of about one hundred and forty, armed and 
disguised, and proceeded to the jail about five o'olock in the after- 
noon of the 27th. Having dispersed the guard, they attacked the 
jail, and Joseph and Hiram Smith in an efibrt to escape were both 
shot dead. Four balls pierced each of them, and any one of the 
wounds would have proved fatal. Having accomplished this cold 
blooded murder, (for surely no other name will apply to it,) and 
glutted their appetite for blood, the mob instantly dispersed. 

Great indeed had been the provocation, and revenge had been 
nursed and fostered by a long series of injuries, and yet they can, 
as we look calmly at the past, but little atone for the bk>od shed 
on that night, the breaking of the law and the wanton sacrifice of 
human life on the fearful altar of the human passions. 



24 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Post haste from Carthage, whose streets were now stained witl^ 
blood, a messenger was despatched to Nauvoo, with the news of 
this double murder, who met Gov. Ford and suite on his return 
from Nauvoo, and a few miles from that city 

The Governor hastened to Carthage, and fearing that the Mor- 
mons would rise in force, massacre the citizens and burn the city, 
advised the immediate evacuation of the town. Most of the 
inhabitants fled in disorder, fearful that to avenge the death of their 
leaders, the Mormons would spare none. Gov. Ford having placed 
General Demming in command of a small body of troops, with 
instructions to guard the town, and watch the movements of the 
Mormons, proceeded at once to Quincy, a distance of about fifty 
miles. 

The effect upon the Mormons was far different from what had 
been anticipated, for, apparently disheartened by the loss of their 
leaders, no effort at revenge was made. Sad, silent and gloomy, 
they seemed to brood over the past, rather than to think of vio- 
lence, and all remained quiet. 

The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Nauvoo on the 
28th, and met at the entrance of the city by a large concourse of 
people of both sexes and all ages, who followed them to the late 
residence of the Prophet. Here they were addressed by several 
prominent men of their church, and exhorted to keep froin all vio- 
lence, and quietly submit to the persecution of their enemies. 

All remained quiet for a few weeks, during which time the 
Mormons re-organized, acknowledging the twelve apostles to be 
at the head of the Church. The building of the temple and other 
pul)lic works were resumed, and again security and peace were felt 
by all. 

Soon, however, complaints from the surroundino- country told 
that the ruffians were again at work, and as heretofore, all attempts 
to bring the offenders to justice proved abortive. If arrested, 
witnesses were always ready to swear them clear, and all again 
was in a state of disorder and fear. The smouldering fires were 
again ready to burst forth, and riot and bloodshed take the place 
of law and order. Another tragedy was to be enacted, fearful 
and bloody, and another victim sent unprepared into the presence 
of his maker 



OR. THE murderer's DOOM. 25 



CHAPTER III. 

THE MURDER OF MILLER AND LIECY. 

On the night of the 10th of May, 1845, a most barbarous and 
bloody murder was committed in Lee County, Iowa, about twelve 
miles from Nauvoo, and three and one half from West Point, the 
County seat of Lee County, startling and affrighting all. 

To properly understand the sequel, it will be necessary for us 
briefly to explain the circumstances prior to the deed of blood. 

About the 25th of the previous April, Mr. John Miller with his 
son-in-law emigrated from the State of Ohio, located himself in Lee 
County, and offered to pay cash for a good farm. It was reported 
that he was possessed of a large sum of money, and at once he 
was marked as a prey by the lawless and blood-stained ones. 

A few days after this two strangers appeared in the neighbor- 
hood, who said they had just moved into that part of the country 
and were searching for an ox they had lost. They described him 
fully, and made particular inquiries as well as indirect ones about 
the settlers in the vicinity. They staid at a house about one fourth 
of a mile from Miller's one night, and the next morning went to 
Miller's and endeavored to get a bank note changed, alleging that 
they wanted the change to pay for their lodging. 

About twelve or one o'clock on the night of the tenth of May, 
three men entered the house of Miller, armed with pistols, bowie- 
knives and clubs. In the room there were three beds spread upon 
the floor. 

The one in the northeast corner was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. 
Liecy, the one in the northwest corner by Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and 
the third, at the north side of the room, by a man and his wife, 
whose name is not recollected. Upon entering the room, one of 
the rufhans opened a dark lantern, the light from which reflected 
upon the two beds occupied by Miller and Liecy, and immediately 
jumped upon the table, while the other two advanced to their bed 



26 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

sides. Each with a heavy cluh aimed a deadly blow at his victim, 
injuring them severely, but not so as to keep them from springing 
to their feet before receiving a second. Grasping those who were 
intent on taking their hvcs, a desperate struggle ensued. Immedi- 
ately the lantern was closed, and its holder sprang to the assistance 
of his companions, in crime. 

For several minutes the struggle continued amid the cries and 
shrieks of the terrified women, and the groans of their husbands as 
they were stabbed and cut by the deadly bowie knives of their 
assassins, while they, unarmed, sought to repel them, and struggled 
almost hopelessly for life. 

It was a fearful struggle, against fearful odds, but bravely and 
and well were the murderers met. At length Mr. Miller, by a des- 
perate effort, succeeded in pushing his antagonist from the house, 
and hope sprang up in his breast. Vain, however, was its cherish- 
ing power, for as he passed the door, the knife of the remorseless 
robber pierced his side, and entered his heart ! With a single 
groan he reeled, staggered, and fell to the ground never to rise 
again: another victim to the Banditti of the Prairies. 

Liecy succeeded in throwing over one of the ruffians upon the 
floor, and while in the act of choking him the knife of the otiier 
was inflicting deep gashes upon his head, and piercing frightfully 
his back. Desperately he battled, but maddened by pain and be- 
coming very weak from the loss of blood, he with one effort freed 
himself from their hold and gained his feet. One effort more and 
he forced them through the open door, and strove to close it. Al- 
ready it w^as closing and in another moment he would be safe ! Oh ' 
the happiness of that thought ! But see, a flash glances on the air 
of midnight, the whizzing of a bullet is heard, and pierced by a 
ball, when on the very verge of safety, he sinks helpless upon the 
floor. 

The third man, during that soul afl^rightening struggle, remanied 
quietly in his bed, secreting himself under the cover, and allowed 
his friends to be cruelly murdered without a single efibrt to save 
them ! Uninjured, except from fright: he was a very coward and 
a craven ! 

The assassins becoming alarmed at the manner in which thev 
had been met, and fearing that the shrieks of the women and the 




MURDER OF MILLER AND LIECY.— pag-e 26 




D1«C0VERV OF THE MURDER.— page 27. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 27 

report of the pistols might alarm the neighborhood, left without 
securing their booty. Blood-stained, and branded like Cain, were 
they, and fled under the cover of night to find safety from all but 
the terrors of a goading conscience. 

As soon as the family had recovered sufficiently from fright to 
allow reason to again occupy her usurped dominion, they despatched 
a messenger to West Point, where the district oourtwasin session. 
The news created great excitement, and a large number of citizens 
together with the Sheriff repaired at once to the scene of the mur- 
der, when a horrid spectacle was presented to their shuddering 
vision. 

In the front yard and within a few feet of the door, lay Mr. Mil- 
ler, cold and lifeless, his head inclining to the right, upon descend- 
ing ground, which was stained for a considerable distance with 
blood. A ghastly stream, now chilled and waveless ! Entering 
the house, they found Mr. Liecy lying upon the floor weltering in 
blood, and apparently in the agonies of death. Everything pre- 
sented, at a single glance, a perfect scene of carnage. The floor 
was stained and spotted with the ruddy stream of life, horrid for 
the eye to rest upon, affrighting the very soul, bidding the pulse 
stand still and the heart forget its office. The groans and cries of 
the afflicted family, as they burst from trembling and pallid lips, 
helped to complete the fearful tragedy and appal the beholders, 
telling how fearfully the fiends had completed their mission of 
death. 

Surgical aid was immediately procured, but uselessly, for upon 
examination the wounds that the survivor had received were pro- 
nounced fatal. The skull was pierced and broken by the strokes 
of the heavy bowie knife, and it had deeply buried itself in his 
back. The ball received upon the door-step was extracted, after 
having passed quite through his body, and became flattened against 
the bones. Though Mr, Liecy's decease was hourly expected, 
yet he survived long enough to see in irons and identify the perpe- 
trators of the dark and hellish deed. 

Every efTort was made by James L, Estes, sheriff of Lee 
County, and others, to arrest the murderers, and bring them to 
justice. The news spread with lightning-like rapidity, and the 
particulars were soon in every mouth. The citizens of the sur- 



28 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES ! 

rounding country turned out "en masse," organized themselves into 
companies, and scoured the country in hopes of obtaining some 
clue to the perpetrators of the fiendish outrage against both the 
laws of God and man. 

In searching the premises a cloth cap was found, trimmed with 
fur, and without a frontis-piece, being the only clue that might lead 
to the identity of the villains. This was carefully preserved as a 
silent witness in case of need. Tracks were found leading from 
the hous*' across a ploughed field into a road, in the direction of 
Nauvoo. These were followed by Sheriff Estes to within a few 
miles of the said city, when all traces were lost. 

The news of this murder reached Montrose, where I resided, 
on the morning of the murder, at about ten o'clock. The citizens 
turned out, and the search became general. Every ravine, thicket 
and blufl' were searched, but without success for a day or two, 
when the citizens returned discouraged to their homes, believing 
that the perpetrators of this crime would, like all others, escape 
justice. 

Having heard of the cap that had been found at the house, with 
a full description of it, I at once recollected having seen a young 
man in Nauvoo some three weeks previous by the name of Hod- 
ges, with a cap of the same description. I communicated this 
information immediately to Sheritf Estes, and learned from him 
that the Hodges were known as men of suspicious characters. 
In the meantime, I discovered several persons standing about the 
streets of Montrose eagerly listening to all tiie plans and move- 
ments against the murdei-ers, and anxious to learn who, if any, 
were suspected. The excitement having passed away, and the 
Sheriff''s posse dispersed, and all again had become quiet, I deter- 
mined to track up, as the first step towards an arrest, the fatal 
cap. 

I immediately left for Nauvoo on the afternoon of the 12th, and 
commenced such inquiries as would tend to remove or confirm the 
suspicions against the Hodges, and found that three of the Hod- 
ges, Amos, William and Stephen, were living together in a retired 
part of the city. Amos being married, the others were boarding 
with him, and all were without any visible means of subsistance. 
That on the afternoon of the lOth, William and Stephen Hodges 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 29 

and Thomas Brown were seen passing up in a skiff towards the 
mouth of Devil Creek, in the direction the murder was committed. 
Early m the morning of the 11th, one of the Hodges was seen 
going from the river towards his home bare headed, and since that 
time had worn a hat, although he had previously worn a ca-p. On 
the 11th, Stephen Hodges was seen in a grocery in Nauvoo with 
a drop of blood on the bosom of his shirt, and being questioned in 
regard to it made no reply, but went immediately hom-e and return- 
ed with a clean one. 

These circumstances more than confirmed the suspicions already 
excited by the description of the cap, and 1 determined, if possi- 
ble, to arrest them and investigate the subject. Acting upon this 
determination, I called upon S. Markham, Captain of the City 
Watch, and made known to him my business and asked his assis- 
tance. He cheerfully consented to aid me, said he had men who 
would do anything he told them, and that he would follow my 
direction in making the arrest. 

He immediately called to his assistance, eighieen or twenty 
men, armed for the purpose, and at two o'clock in the morning of 
the 13th, we proceeded to the residence of Hodges and surrounded 
the house. Markham rapped at the door, but no attention was 
paid to it. A slight noise was heard in the house, and a light 
appeared through the windows, and I saw three men in the house, 
each armed with a gun, and one of them put a bowie knife into 
his breast, and stepj^ed to the door and demanded: 

•' Who is there ? " 

" I am,"' replied Markham. 

'' You are Mr. Markham 1 " 

"Yes." 

"What do you want?" 

" I want to come in." 

" You cannot enter." 

" I wish to see you." 

"The first one that attempts to enter is a dead man. 

"I wish to speak to you." 

" What business have you here at this time of night." 

•■* The citizens of Iowa have come over to arrest you, and I 



30 THE BANDITTI OF THK PRAIRIES: 

determined to "jet the start of them. You shall have a fair trial 
in the city, if you will surrender. Will you do so"? " 

'• If you will wait till morning we will surrender." 

After a few minutes of consultation we concluded to accept 
their proposition and guard the house until daylight and thus pre- 
vent all escape. We informed them of our determination, and all 
remained quiet. 

Daylight came, and Markham rapped at the door, when Amos 
opened it, and the three brothers surrendered without further 
resistance. They were taken before one Johnson, a Mormon 
Justice of the Peace, who agreed to hold them in custody until I 
could go to West Point and notify Sheriff Estes and return again. 
The Hodges manifested very little uneasiness and made no objec- 
tion to the detention. 

1 left Nauvoo at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 13th, crossed 
the river to Montrose, proceeded to West Point, and notified the 
sheriff of the arrest, who with several citizens returned with me 
to Nauvoo, where we arrived on the evening of the same dav 
and found the Hodges safe in custody. Sheriff Estes made affida- 
vit for a warrant, which being issued, they were legally arrested 
and remained for examination. No evidence having been adduced 
against Amos Hodges he was discharged. Brown, who was also 
strongly suspected, lied before sufficient evidence could be found 
against him to justify his arrest. 



OR. THE MURDERER S DOOM. 31 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE TRIAL. 



The arrest of the Hodges had become public and much excite- 
ment prevailed in the surrounding country, as well as in Nauvoo. 
Being Mormons, but little hopes were entertained by the commu- 
nity at large of detaining them in custody sufficient time to collect 
testimony, and put them upon trial. Strong efforts were being con- 
stantly made in Nauvoo to ensure their acquittal on the examination, 
or effect their escape, and a large number of witnesses were col- 
lected for this purpose, ready to swear that they were in Nauvoo 
at the time the murder was committed. 

With this strong array of testimony in their favor, and the Mor- 
mon influence before a Mormon Magistrate, against the circumstan- 
tial evidence in our possession, there was little hope of our success. 
Indeed all looked forward to an acquittal, although every circum- 
stance tended strongly to confirm their guilt. Under this state of 
affairs, the matter was abandoned entirely to my arrangement. 

" Bonny," said he, " you have made the arrest, and must conduct 
the examination. With this strong array of witnesses I fear they 
will get clear, although I have no doubt of their guilt. I can do 
nothing with these Mormons, and shall leave the affair to your skill 
and judgment, assisting you as much as I can." 

Reluctantly I consented, and determined to make the best of a 
bad case, and if possible, thwart their plans, set at defiance their 
army of "standing witnesses" and hold the Hodges to answer he- 
fore a legal tribunal: I resorted to the following expedient. 

On the following morning at the hour set for the trial, the Court 
room was filled with witnesses for the prisoners, and dark indeed 
was the prospect of their being cotumitted. Under pretence of 
procuring more testimony from Iowa, I applied for a contmuance 
until the following day, which after considerable opposition was 
granted, and the time fixed at 10 o'clock, A. M. 



32 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

1 immediately determined to take all our witnesses that were in 
attendance and proceed to West Point, where the Lee County Grand 
Jury were in session, and procure a bill of inditement. This having 
been accomplished, my purpose was to return to Nauvoo with a 
certified copy, which would hold the prisoners, and await tlie 
requisition of the Governor, in desjiite the testimony of their friends. 

While Sheriff Estes and myself were preparing to set out on 
this mission, the Steam Boat "New Purchase" arrived from Fort 
Madison loaded with passengers, amongst whom were several wit- 
nesses against the Hodges. Some of them recognised S. Hodget 
as one of the Ox-hunters before spoken of, which with other facts 
were thought by the " knowing ones'' to be sufficient to hold the 
Hodges, and all were eager for an immediate examination. J 
objected, but without assigning my reason, well believing that if my 
intentions were known by the Mormons, the escape of the prison 
ers would be certain, whilst their friends now doubted not that the) 
would be sworn clear by their confederates. 

This being the case, we left at once for West Point, in direct 
opposition to the solicitation of our friends, where we arrived the 
same evening, and found the Grand Jury in session waiting our 
arrival, in compliance with , the request of a Messenger who had 
been previously dispatched. 

The witnesses w^ere at once examined and a Bill of Indictment 
found against Stephen and William Hodges, and Thomas Brown, 
for the murder of Miller, (Liecy being yet alive). A certified copy 
having been procured we set out on our return, and arrived in Nau- 
voo in time to meet the court of examination at the ap])Ointed hour. 

So great was the excitement that hundreds collected both, from 
Illinois and Iowa, and the streets were densely crowded. General 
Demming, the then Sheriff of Hancock County, was in attendance, 
and a steamer from Fort Madison brought a crowd of persoas 
anxious to be present at the examination. Friends and foes alike 
were there, and on every face was depicted anxiety, fear, or hope. 

The Court at last convened, and the prisoners arraigned for 
examination, with an array of witnesses, and defended by Almond 
Babit, Esq. After several attempts to still the dense crowd into 
silence, it was at length accomplished, and the examination began. 
Then, the copy of the Indictment was produced, effectually placing 



OR, THE BIURnERER S DOOM. 33 

them beyond the reach of false witnesses, bribed for the purpose. 
The court room was at once a scene of confusion such as the eye 
but seldom rests upon. The cheers of the friends of Justice, and 
the loud curses of the others arose commingled in one overwhelm- 
ing din, and riot and bloodshed seemed the inevitable consequence. 
Wild indeed was the storm, and who could say whether it would 
subside or burstin fury '? Completely disheartened, however, by 
this unlooked for proceeding, baffled and outwitted, the friends of 
the Hodges quietly submitted, and the prisoners were held to await 
a requisition from Iowa. 

All now seemed quiet, and yet the sl-ightest cause would have 
'"esulted in the complete destruction of Nauvoo, and the expulsion 
of the Mormons, and great fears were entertained; the excited 
populace could not be restrained from acts of violence. The danger 
of their escape by the breaking of the jail; or rescue by theii 
friends was also feared, and deep and fearful revenge was avowed 
in either case, which added to the excitement already verging 
towards its height. 

To guard against all danger and still if possible the tumult, I 
suggested to the Counsel for the prisoners, that, notwithstanding 
they protested their innocence, yet they must answer to the laws 
of their country under the Indictment. If innocent they would 
not fear the result, and that in order to place themselves in safetv 
beyond all hazards that they surrender to the authorities of Iowa, 
and avoid the necessity of procuring a requisition. Mr. Babit, their 
counsel favored this suggestion, and urged the prisoners to comply 
with the proposition, to which, after some consideration, they con- 
sented. Safely lodged in prison at Fort Madison, beyond the hope 
of rescue, or escape, the minds of the people of the surrounding 
country again became calm, and business, that had for a time been 
neglected, was again resumed. 

Facts having been elicited during the investigation with regard 
to the Hodges, that proved conclusively that Thomas Brown was 
llie third of the infamous three, 1 was urged by many to pursue, 
and if possible arrest him. Being legally authorized to offer a 
reward of Five hundred dollars for his arrest, and delivery into my 
custody, in any State or Territor>- m the United States, I left to 
accomplish if possible this mission on the morning of the 28th Mav. 

3 



34 THE HANDITTI OF THE PUAIRIES: 

On reaching Quincy, 1 introduced my business to SherifT Pitman 
who was an officer of great merit, and a perfect gentleman; and 
who, in his official character, was extensively known to the gang, 
as well as acquainted with their proceedings, which enabled him to 
give me much valuable information. 

Sheriff Pitman was well acquainted with the general character 
o1 Brown, and knew several of his confederates in crime, who 
lived on the Mississippi bottoms, in the north part of Adams' 
County, eighteen miles north of Quincy. Amongst these was a 
Mr. Bingham, a relative of Brown's, and who had served out one 
term in the Penitentiary for larceny. After gathering from him 
aJl necessary information and directions, I determined to visit the 
gang in the neighborhood of Bingham, and by stratagem learn 
whether secreted in the vicinity, and whether any of them kne"w 
anything with regard to him. 

I at once set out and after riding till within a few miles of the 
house of Bingham, I met a man on horseback of whom 1 inquired 
for a Mr. Agard. to whom I had been directed by Sherifl" Pitman, 
as a person in whom I could confide, and who would give me any 
information in his power. He immediately replied : 

" My name is Agard." 

" The Sheriff of your Countj directed me to call on you.*' 

" Oh ! I suppose I know your business. You arc in pursuit of 
the murderers of Jo Smith. Well, well, I suppose I must go with 
you.'* 

" That is not my business. The Sher — 

♦' Oh! well Sir, what did you want ? " 

'' 1 was directed to you to inquire for a Mr. Bingham, I wish to 
find some land in his neighborhood." 

"Oh is that all! I can tell you all about Mr. Bingham, and the 
land in his township, I have a map and can inform you wjio owns 
every tract." 

'• Would you be kind enough to give me such mformalion ? "' 

" Yes, yes, at any time.*' 

*' When can you do it ? '* 

"Why to-morrow, I'll meet you at Mr. 's grocery one and 

a half miles east of here, and give you any information you t!'jsire.'* 

" 1 sliall be obliged to you, Sir." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 35 

After a few more remarks we separated, and on the following 

morninfT according to appointment 1 called at Mr. 's procery. 

but without findinfT him. I learned, however, that the Hancock 
Circuit Court was in session, and that several persons were under 
arrest charged with the murder of the brothers Smith. Also, Mr. 

Agard had called early in the morning on Dr. . and told him 

*' there was something wrong in the wind — that he had seen a 
stranger yesterday inquiring for land, but that he believed it only 
was a ruse and should keep himself out of sight." 

Disappointed, but not disheartened, I continued my search, 
though unavailing, throughout the day, and on the following morn- 
ing called at the house of Mr. Bingham, to whom I introduced 
myself by the name of " Morris.'' 

" Is your name Bingham 1" 

" Yes, that is my name." 

*' I have heard of you, and would like to have a little confident 
conversation with you." 

*' Certainly. Upon what subject 1" 

" I am just from the eastern part of the State, where I ' raised' 
a horse, which I left below for sale, and thought I would come up 
and see what was going on in the way of business." 

" I am glad you called, though we are all Idle here at present. 
The Boys up North, however, seem to have their hands full." 

" What is doing here 1" 

" They have made several good * raises,' though I learn some of 
them have got into rather a serious scrape." 

•' Scrape ! Of what kind t" 

" They attempted to rob an old German by the name of Miller, 
and in order to escape, were obliged to murder both him and his 
Son-in-law." 

" Serious business, truly." 

" Yes, but that is not the worst of it." 

" Why, is there anything more." 

" Two of them have been arrested, and I understand they anj 
after the third." 

" Thar is bad luck. But can they not get clear V 

" j don t know, it is somewhat doubtful." 

"Are you acquainted up the river?" 



36 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

• Not much.'" 

" You know the Mormons 1" 

"Yes. 1 was amongst them, and a Mornaon nnyself.'' 

'' Do you know which of the boys were arrested for the murder 
you have spoken of?" 

*• Two of the Hodges." 

" I suppose they are guilty." 

" No doubt of it. They are hard cases." 

" It will probably go hard with them." 

"Yes, but they won't catch the third." 

"The third!" 

" Yes, Tom Brown. He is one of the hardest I know of. He 
does nothing but follow the business. I have seen him go into a 
store in the day time, and steal a roll of cloth and put out with it, 
and he makes a ])ractice of going to St. Louis on one side of the 
river and coming back the other, raking down both ways." 

" He must be an old hand ?" 

" They won't catch him. He is too smart for that." 

'' Was he engaged in the murder with the Hodges I" 

" I presume he was." 

"I should like to get acquainted with him. I think I could get 
him into an operation that would suit him." 

" Very likely, he is ready for anything." 

" Docs he come here often ?" 

" Not very. I don't think he would suit you though.' 

" Why not ?" 

" He is too reckless." 

" I want two of the Boys who are of the right stripe to go to 
Shawneetown with me.'" 

" What is the speculation V 

" To relieve an old Dutchman of a chest of Specie." 

" That's the kind of speculation that would suit him. 1 can't do 
much here. 1 am suspected and have to keep very quiet." 

•' Two would be enough, and 1 think with you and Brown, we 
could do the thing up right." 

"I don't know where Tom is. but there is a man livipg abo'U 
two miles from here, who is a first rate hand in such business." 

" But suppose he could not go ?' 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 37 

"Oh there is plenty in this County who would be glad of such a 
chance." 

Being satisfied that he did not know the whereabouts of Brown, 
I told him I was obliged to go to Missouri before I made the strike 
at Shawneetown, but would call on him when I returned, and make 
some arrangement with him, when he continued the conversation. 

" Are you acquainted in Missouri 1" 

" No, not much." 

"I can give you the points there, if you want them." 

" I do, it helps me greatly." 

" I have a brother on the Missouri River who is right, and knows 
all the Boys. If you get there you are safe. Tell him /sent you 
and it will be all right." 

" I shall not forget him." 

" When you come this way come and see me. I can secrete you, 
and hide your horse so that the devil himself cannot find him." 

" But if I should want to run ?" 

*' I keep a boat to cross the Mississippi, and can ferry my friends 
across at night as well as in the day time, and tell them where they 
can stop and be secure." 

After wishing me success, and giving me a list of names with 
whom to stop in Missouri, I left him and returned to Quincy on the 
evening of the 2.3rd, and gave Sheriff Pitman the particulars of m^' 
interview with Bingham. Leaving there I proceeded to St. Louis 
where I got traces of Brown, and searched until the morning of the 
27th without further success. After making such arrangements 
with the City Marshall as would secure the arrest of Brown if he 
should visit St. Louis, I departed for Memphis. Searching fully, 
there assisted by Wm. D. Pilmore, a Constable who had been 
kindly detailed for that duty by the Mayor, and becoming satisfied 
that Brown was not to be found, I again left for St. Louis. 

Brown had visited St. Louis during my short absence, and an 
unsuccessful attempt had been made to arrest him. This, as he 
would now be upon the guard, rendered the task I had undertaken 
still more arduous and doubtful, yet s!ill I determined to })ursue it 
to the end — to victory or to death. But being now completely at 
fault, I knew not which way to proceed, and while in this state of 
suspense I received a letter from Sheriff Estes which determined 



38 THE BANDITTI OF THK PRAIRIES: 

me to return and attend the trial of the Hodges. Perfecting my 
arrangements with the City Marshall, I immediately left and arrived 
at Montrose on the evening of the fifth of June. 

Stephen and William Hodges were removed to West Point from 
Fort Madison on the 20th of May, and arraigned for trial, but a 
change of venue were taken to Des Moines County, where they 
were now to suffer the penalty of the law, or come forth cleared 
of the worst crime whose name stains the Statute Book. 

Mr. Liecy who was still alive, though rapidly sinking from the 
effects of his wounds was confident that he could identify his mur- 
derers, if he was permitted to see them. In order to add his testi- 
mony to that of the others, Sheriff Estes selected persons who 
were strangers to Liecy, and who nearest resembled the Hodges, 
and took them to the residence of Liecy. They were seated in a 
circle in the room of the dying man, when after a careful survey 
of their size, features, and general appearance, he singled out 
Stephen Hodges, saying: 

'* That is the man who stabbed me with the bowie knife !'' 

Another look round the circle and he pointed to William Hodges, 

" That is the man who shot me !" 

Many questions were asked him in order to test the strength of 
his belief, but he wavered not for a single moment, or in the least 
controverted his assertions. Strong testimony this, falling as it 
did, from the lips of one who would soon pass through the gates 
of death, and it was fully confirmed by Mrs. Miller and Mrs. 
Liecy. 

Other evidence also came to light by which the Hodges were 
tracked from Nauvoo to the scene of the daring murder, and back 
again to that city, and a pistol was found in their possession, the 
ball of which corresponded in size and weight with the one 
extracted from the body of Liecy. How true it is, that murder 
may be tracked to the hand that did the deed, and is stained in 
blood, by the smallest and apparently most immaterial circum- 
stances. 

Monday, the 8th of June, was the day fixed for the trial, 
and the friends of the prisoners having become alarmed, made 
every effort in their power to secure their acquittal. Erwin Hodges, 
the brother, who was residing about thirty-one miles from Nau- 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOO'M. 39 

>oo, was the most active, took the load in arranging their plan 
of defence, and swore bitter and deadly vengeance against all who 
took part in their arrest or prosecution. Being, also, a Mormon, 
he denounced the leaders of the Church, for suffering his brothers 
to be taken out of Nauvoo, and said if they were hung it should 
cost the best blood in that city. 

Messrs. Hall & Mills of Burlington, Iowa, were employed to 
defend them, and their fee of one thousand dollars secured to them. 
All that could be done to prevent a verdict of guilty, was carefully 
thought of and carried through, as a primary step towards this 
end, and affidavit for a continuance was filed, sworn to by the 
Hodges to obtain the following witnesses: John and Aaron Long, 
Judge Fox and Henry Adams of St. Louis, and John W. Brafiit, 
Henry Moore, Samuel Smith, Lydia Hodges, John Bliss, Caroline 
Moore, Samuel Walton, Sarah Ann Wood, Horace Braffit, Mrs. 
Artemus Johnson, Thomas Morgan, (a son of the late William 
Morgan of Batavia, N. Y., author of disclosures on Masonry,) 
John Court, Mrs. Campbell, (sister of the Hodges,) Harriet St 
John, and a Miss Hawkins of Nauvoo; witnesses not then present, 
who would swear that they were in Nauvoo at the time of the 
murder, and other facts that would establish their innocence 
beyond the power of contradiction. 

On this affidavit the case was continued until the 15th of the 
same month, during which time I remained at Montrose, and occa- 
sionally visited Nauvoo, to watch the movements of tho>9e whose 
names were inserted in the said affidavit. Everything tended to 
confirm the former opinion of both Sheriff" Estes and myself that 
they were all connected with the same gang, and intended to 
swear their comrades out at all hazards. But suspicion was not 
testimony, and nothing remained for us to do but to watch and 
bide our time. 

The anxiously looked-for day of trial came, and armed with 
good counsel on either side, the trial began. By a strong chain 
of circumstantial evidence, a clear case was made out against the 
prisoners, backed by the testimony of the wives of the murdered 
men, and the assertions of Liecy as to their identity, which he 
reiterated in the last moments of his life. A vigorous defence 
was mad?, but the witnesses for the prisoners could not tell a 



40 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! 

consistent story, and frequently gave the lie one to the other, 
though all agreed that they were in Nauvoo at the time the mur- 
der was committed. In this they had been well trained, but those 
who tutored them forgot to designate any particular point, and 
consequently, some swore to one point and others to another. 
This alone was sufficient to controvert their testimony in this 
particular, and show the object for which they were brought 
there. 

Lydia Hodges, wife of Amos Hodges, who was in attendance 
as a witness, feigned sickness, and was absent from the Court room 
and sent for one of the counsel for the prisoners. As he entered 
the room she burst into tears, and exclaimed: 

" Must 1 go to Court 1 " 

" If you can swear the Boys were at home, on the night of the 
murder, your testimony will be very material and cannot be 
dispensed with. Can you swear that X " 

" They were out that night." 

*• Do you know where they were t " 

" They left home in company with Tom Brown, and said they 
were going over to Iowa I " 

" When did they return ? " 

" Early the next morning." 

" What did they say t " 

" That they had been unsuccessful." 

" And nothing about the murder \ " 

" They said that they had a desperate fight, and were afraid 
that they had killed somebody." 

" What is their business ? " 

" Robbery is the only one I know of." 

" Who are engaged with them '? " 

'• All their father's family, and leaders in the Mormon Church 
encourage them in it, and share the spoils." 

" You know all this, or is it merely a rumor 1 " 

" 1 know it, and am now brought here to swear them clear. 
They have always been kind to me, and yet I cannot swear my 
soul to eternal perdition, and destroy all my hopes of happiness 
both here and hereafter, to save them. Must I go to Court ? " 

" I don't know yet." 



OR, THE MURDEREU'S DOOM. 41 

" 1 cannot, will not, do it ? I cannot swear for them, and I will 
not swear against them." 

Other conversation was had, and the lawyer returned again to 
Court, more than ever convinced of the hopelessness of his case, 
though he still struggled hard to the very end. It was vain, 
however, for after much time had been consumed in tlic trial, it 
was brought to a close by the fearful word that fell from the lips 
of the foreman of the Jury — the end at once of their hopes, and 
the consummation of their fears, the knell of the tocsin of death — 
the dreadful word — Guilty ! 

A horrid sound, is it not 1 to fall upon the ear of man. What 
phantoms rise at it, the rope, the gibbet, the coffin, the grave ! 
Show me the eye that can look calmly upon them, and the heart 
that does not grow sick, and the form that does not tremble aspen- 
like at the bare mention of their horrors. How then must it be 
when they know that each day brings them nearer, and each turn 
of the hand upon the dial is hastening them to their certain doom 1 
Awful ! awful ! ! and yet " blood for blood " is the cry, and a 
waving sea of human heads surround the place of execution, 
unsatisfied and restless, till the last gasp attests the passage of the 
soul from earth. 

Strong efforts were made by their brother, Erwin Hodges, to 
arouse the Mormons, and urge them to attempt their rescue. 
Loudly he threatened an-d swore that if Brigham Young did not 
send men to break open the jail and save them he would denounce 
them to the proper authorities, and confess all he knew. Little 
time, however, was given him for the execution of his threats, for 
on the same night, at the early hour of nine, he was basely 
murdered in the streets of Nauvoo. Knocked down with clubs 
and stabbed with his own bowie knife; he lay reeking in blood 
another victim to the vengeance of the Mormons ! 

No effort was made by the authorities of Nauvoo to ferret out 
and arrest the murderers, and soon after Brigham Young told 
his followers, in a public discourse, that " iheij had no business to 
inquire who killed Irwine Hodges — that no ?nan, who was a man, 
would do it, and that every Member of the Church must mind his 
own business.^^ 



42 THE nANOITTI OF THE PttAI'diES: 

Hopelessly, entirely now, the prisoners were forced to submit 
to their certain fate, and passing the hours within the lonely 
confines of their prison cells, watched the sunbeams as they crept 
upon the dusty walls, and counted the moments as they passed, 
hastening them towards the day of their execution. 




EXECUTION OF THE '^WO HODGES.— page 43. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 43 



CHAPTER. V. 



THE ROBBERY OF STRAWN. 



The sentence against Sjephen and William Hodges was car 
ried into effect on the 15th of .July. They were publicly executed. 
When on the scaffold they with bold effrontery charged the Court 
and Jury with injustice in convicting them, as they alfeged with- 
out sufficient evidence, in the asseverations of innocence, with 
which many criminals perish upon the scaffbld, after a fair trial 
and conviction, which perhaps proves nothing but the natural and 
universal desire to leave names behind, which at least some one 
may believe, not wholly linked with infamy. Yet even this con- 
solation must be denied to these unfortunate men. No one doubted 
their guilt. 

The gang finding that all their efforts to save the Hodges had 
proved unavailing, and believing me to be the prime mover in the 
events which had led to their arrest and execution, cherished to- 
wards me the most bitter and malignant enmity. Not a day pas- 
sed in which my life was not threatened. I was told that it would 
not be safe for me to be seen abroad, and that if I showed myself 
in the streets of Nauvoo, I should have my throat cut, and my 
body chopped into mince-meat, and that forty men in Nauvoo 
were ready to carry their threat into execution. 

I only mention things of this nature to show the task I had under- 
taken from a sense of duty to society, to perform, was one by no 
means free from danger; but I ask nothing from community at 
large except a willing belief on their part, that I was actuated by 
honorable motives, and a sincere desire to relieve the country 
from the depredations of a band of lawless and unprincipled vil- 
lains. Their threats had no further effect upon me than to induce 
a stronger determination than ever to ferret out the whole gang, 
and see justice fully satisfied, as far as the law of the land would 
admit. 



44 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIh;^: 

The band of robbers feeling strong in their united organization, 
and not intimidated by the breach made in their ranks, by the exe- 
cution of the Hodges, still continued their depredations. 

On the night of the 7th of June, 18-15, Jeremiah Strawn, an aged 
man, was quietly reposing after the toils of the day in his house in 
Putnam County, Illinois, His wife, the partner of his old age, as 
of his youth was at his side, and in a neighboring room, a worthy 
member of the Methodist Conference was enjoying the rest affor- 
ded by the hospitality of the good old couple. It was a lovely 
night of the most lovely month of the year — and the beholder as 
he looked out upon that peaceful scene; the quiet farm-house, and 
the broad level meadows around it, waving their burdens of ver- 
dure in the pure and holy calm of the moon's soft light, would 
hardly have thought it possible that beings with the name and 
capacities of men would dare to mar the sacred serenity of the 
time and place with deeds of wrong and outrage. It would seem 
60 much like sacrilege before the altar of God's holiest temple of 
worship. 

Near the hour of midnight three men forced their way into that 
peaceful dwelling and aroused the old man and his wife from their 
slumbers. One of them with a loaded pistol in his hand approach- 
ed their bed side threatening them with instant death if they made 
the slightest resistance or alarm. Another rutfian stepped to the 
chamber door, and stood with drawn weapons, ready to pre-vent 
any person who might be sleeping in the upper rooms from com- 
ing to the assistance of those below, while the third villain thus 
protected by his comrades, acted as speaker in the adventure: 

"Give us your money," he said, "or we will kill you both, and 
set your house on fire." 

" What I have, you will find in that bureau yonder." replied 
Mr. Strawn, who perceived at once the folly of resistance. 

"You have more than this," exclaimed the robber after searching 
the bureau. " Here arc only one hundred dollars in decent mo- 
ney — and about the same in Illinois canal scrip, which is not 
worth much to us any way. These two old silver watches are 
good for liille or nothing. We must have more !" 

"It is all that I have," said Mr. Strawn, throwing himself back 
rcjfignedlv. ''l\' you kill me vou v/ill find no more." 



OR, THE MURDEREU'S DOOM. 45 

" Well, we won't take your word for it — we'll examine this 
next room, — who is in here 1 " 

"A Methodist clergyman," replied Mr. Strawn, " he is a poor 
man, and cannot have much money with him. I hope you will 
not disturb hioi." • 

"Oh ! if he is a preacher, we will kill him any how," said the 
robber. " There is no sin in killing a preacher. He will go 
straight to Heaven, you know ! What do you say, boys I shall we 
j,ut a stop to his sermonizing for the present 1 " 

Thus speaking, he entered the room and robbed the affrighted 
clergyman, who did not seem to feel anxious for an immediate de- 
parture to the other world, of his silver watch and about fifteen 
dollars in money. 

" I say, boys," exclaimed the somewhat facetious robber, " if we 
are caught in this scrape, I reckon we will get off on the plea of 
insanity, for none but insane persons would think seriously of find- 
ing any thing worth stealing about a Methodist Preacher." 

After searching the house from top to bottom, the villains got 
ready to depart: 

" Look here," said one of them, addressing Mr. Strawn," do you 
Kitend to follow us 1 " 

" I don't know that I shall." 

" You had better not undertake it. You are a dead man if you 
do. Besides it will do you no good. You can't catch us. So 
good bye, old fellow." 

Early the next morning Mr. Strawn gave the alarm, and with 
the assistance of his friends, made great exertions to track and 
apprehend the robbers of his house, but all his efforts were una- 
vailing. Mr. Strawn was left to suffer his misfortunes without 
remedy. 

Not far from the middle of the same month the law office of 
Knox & Dewey, of Rock Island, Illinois, was broken open and 
robbed of six hundred and forty dollars, and no trace of the rob- 
ders was ever discovered. 

About the 25th of the month, an attempt was made to rob Mr. 
Beach, a merchant in Nauvoo. This robbery was planned by 
Amos Hodges and R. H. Blceker, who as security for the Hedges 
signed the note to Hall & Mills, and Judge Fox, one of their wit 
nesses. 



46 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

This Amos Hodges was an elder among the Mormons. Mr. 
Beach being also a Mormon, the worthy and scrupulous Amos 
entertained some doubts as. to the propriety of robbing his " brother 
Beach." Thereupon, as was the custom among the Mormons, 
upon the eve of any important undertaking, Amos took council 
with Brigham Young. 

Whether Brigham favored the proposed robbery or not is not 
known, as Amos was forced to seek safety in flight about this 
time, after being bailed by VVilliam Smith and Ripley. 

It is certainly in favor of Young that he gave some kind of 
intimation to Beach of the intended robbery of his premises, thus 
enabling him with an armed guard to watch the approach of the 
Banditti. 

Fox and Bleeker, accomplished in their hazardous profession, 
entered the house of Beach with so much silence and skill, that, 
notwithstanding the careful lookout kept for them, they had nearly 
succeeded in escaping with a large leathern trunk, which they had 
taken from the top of a bureau, before they were discovered. This 
trunk contained between three and four thousand dollars. The 
guard fired several shots at them, but they escaped without injury, 
and with no other loss than one of Blocker's shoes, which was 
afterwards found in a mud-puddle near the house. 

This attempted robbery was at once made public. Yet no ef- 
fort was made by Beach or tlie authorities of Nauvoo to arrest the 
banditti. 



OR, THE MURDERER'S DOOM. 47 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE MURDER OF DAVENPORT. 

On the western shore of Rock Island, looking over the main 
branch of the Mississippi, and facing Iowa, stands a beautiful resi- 
dence, adorned by the hand of taste and wealth. 

Here five years ago resided Col. George Davenport. Rock 
Island had been his home for more than thirty years, and his name 
was identified with the recollections of the neighborhood, and its 
history, for a whole generation. He was universally loved and 
esteemed for his generous heart and social qualities. His wealth 
had been acquired as an Indian trader, and its acquisition had in 
no respect stained his honor, for in all his dealings he had been 
honest and upright. He was an Englishman by birth, but had 
come to America at an early age. One of the first and true pio- 
neers of the march of civilization in the great northwest, his hold 
upon the affections of the residents of that part of the territory 
was strong and abiding. 

It was indeed peculiarly mournful that the Banditti of the Prai- 
ries, amid their outrages upon society, could not have passed by 
one so loved and so honored. 

It was on the fourth of July, 1845. At the court house in the 
town of Rock Island, on the main land of Illinois, a large concourse 
of people assembled, among whom were the family and domestics 
of Col. Davenport, to do honor to the glorious birth-day of Amer- 
ican Independence. The old man remained at home alone. His 
family objected to leaving him thus unprotected, for there was a 
general fear of the banditti, at that time in all parts of the north- 
west, between the Rock and .Mississippi Rivers. He, however, 
insisted that all of them should attend the celebration, and disdained 
the idea that there was any cause whatever for alarm. The vene- 
rable old man could not believe that there was danger to him. 
Safely he had passed through the perils incidents to a frontier life 



48 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIR.ES: 

— the horrors of Indian warfare, and the dangers of a lonely resi 
dence on the very outskirts of civilization, and now that he was 
surrounded by all the blessings of a peaceful life, and in the midst 
of a long established community, it is no wonder that the old man 
could not realize the idea of danger. 

This feeling of security frequently accompanies men who have 
passed through many perils, and it is no uncommon event for such 
men to perish from carelessness and inattention, which other men 
would not have practiced. This feeling may have been the true 
cause of the death of several of our daring soldiers, who after 
passing through all the dangers of the Mexican war, have since 
died when surrounded by all the protections and privileges of 
peace. Perhaps thus persisted the chivalrous Worth —the gallant 
Duncan, and the wild and daring Dan Henrie, and other kindred 
spirits. 

*'Go," said the old Colonel, with a benevolent smile lighting up 
his wrinkled face, " Go, my friends, and enjoy yourselves, I feel 
secure from all harm." 

After their departure, he seated himself in his parlor reading his 
newspaper or following with a pleased gaze the turbulent motions 
of the Mississippi, as it rushed by the lovely island of his home. 
At length his attention was attracted by a faint noise in the vicinity 
of his well, which did not annoy him as he supposed it was made 
by some one engaged 'n drawing water. Presently hearing another 
noise he arose from his chair to go and ascertain the cause of it, 
when the door was suddenly pushed open and three men stood be 
fore him. 

Not a word was said, but almost instantly the foremost of the 
assassins discharged a pistol at the old man. Tlie ball passed 
through his left thigh, and as the Col. turned to grasp his cane, 
which stood near him, the three men rushed upon him, blindfolded 
him, pinioned his arms and legs with hickory bark, and dragged 
him by his long grey hair, cravat and shirt collar into the hall, and 
up a llight of stairs to a closet, containing an iron safe. This they 
compelled him to open, being unable from the peculiar structure 
of the lock to open it themselves. When he had unfastened tlie 
private bolt, thuy took out the contents, and then draging him into 
another room, placed him upon a bed, and with terrible threats 




TORTURING COL. DAVENPORT.— page 49. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 49 

demanded more money. The old man pointed them with a feeble 
hand to a drawer in a dressing table near by. The murderers in 
their hurry missed the drawer containing the money, and opened 
one in which they found nothing of value. Enraged at their fail- 
ure, and believing that their defenceless victim intended to deceive 
them, they tiew upon him with violence, and beat and choked him 
until he passed into a state of insensibility. They then proceeded 
to recall his senses by dashing water in his face, and when he was 
restored again demanded money of him; and following the mo- 
tions of his hand, for he was unable to speak, they again missed 
the proper drawer. Still more angry, if possible, than at first, 
they repeated their fiendish brutality upon his person, strangling 
liim until he again fainted. Reviving him by throwing water in 
his face, and by pouring it down his mouth, they then threatened 
"■ to fry him upon coals of fire," if he did not disclose the place 
where the money had been left, and they would then burn his body 
in the flames of his own house. The old man fell back insensible, 
and totally unable to answer them. 

The murderers having found between six and seven hundred dol- 
lars in money, a gold watch and chain, a double-barrelled shot gun 
and pistol, fled precipitately, as if under the influence of some sudden 
fear, leaving the house sprinkled with blood from parlor to cham- 
lM3r, and the venerable old pioneer, apparently dead upon the 
bed. 

A more cowardly, cold blooded murder was never committed. 
The annals of crime have no record which more fully awakens 
the deepest execrations of the human heart. It seems strange to 
us that man can ever become so wholly perverted as to take the 
life of his fellow bcjing. The instinctive shudder with which we 
shrink back from the slightest idea of destroying the vital principle 
which animates — a kindred spirit to that which beats within our- 
selves — the frame work of another, seems a feeling natural and 
universal. There is not perhaps one among our readers who 
would not dread to take the life of another, even in self-defence. 
Yet this old man was murdered in cold blood, within the walls of 
his own peaceful mansion, and surrounded by the scenes of his 
long and happy life. 

We may not know the after feelings of his murderers, but we 



50 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

cannot but believe that his aged and blood-stained form, like the 
ghost of the murdered Banquo, must have ever been before their 
mental vision, a thing of terror and of dread. 

The first discovery of the murder was made by Mr. Cole of 
Moline, who with two other men was passing down the Mississippi 
in a skitf. When nearly opposite the mansion of Col. Davenport, 
they heard the cry of murder. Rowing to the shore, they hast- 
ened to the house, and on entering the door, which stood ajar, they 
found blood in every direction, and again heard the fearful crv for 
help issuing from the chamber. Mr. Cole hurried np stairs where 
he beheld the terrible spectacle of Col. Davenport weltering in 
his blood, and everything around him saturated with his own gore. 
Mr. Cole, leaving his comrades to render what assistance they 
might be able to the Colonel, ran tor Dr. Brown, who was with a 
pic-nic party on the Island, at no great distance from the house; 
other medical aid was also procured with as much expedition as 
possible. 

Col. Davenport becoming somewhat restored by the assistance 
rendered him, was able to tell the circumstances of his murder, 
and to greet his family upon their return, but being in extreme ago 
ny from the torture of the wounds inflicted by the assassins, con- 
tinued toi fail, and finally expired between nine and ten o'clock of 
the evening after the assault upon him. 

After a long and useful life and a terrible death he sleeps well, 
by the side of the great father of waters, whose waves as they 
rush to join the ocean, seem to murmur a eulogy and requiem for 
the good man departed. 

His funeral sermon was preached on the following Sunday by 
the Uev. Mr. Goldsmith of Davenport, from Matthew xii, 39th 
verse: "./?nr/ this know, that if the good vian of the house had 
known rv/iat hour the thief would come, he would have watched and 
not have suffered his house to be broken thnrngh^ 

Col. Davenj)ort described the three assassins who attacked him 
— one, as being a small, slightly built man, wearing a cloth cap — 
one, a short, thick-set, scjuare-built man; and the othei\ as a large, 
middling sized, tall man. His description of their features was 
sufriciently minute to excite suspicion of any person in the neigh- 
borhood, and as his aged eyes became closed in death, nothing 




DRAGING COL. DAVENPORT UP STAIRS.— page 48. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 51; 

remained to his family and friends in their earnest desires for jus- 
tice and vengence, but to quietly await the events of time, and 
the mysterious developements of an overruling Providence. 

Great exertions were made by the citizens of Rock Island and 
vicinity to apprehend the murderers. A reward of fifteen hund- 
red dollars was ofiered by the family of Col. Davenport for their 
arrest. Handbills were published, describing the watch and a part 
of the money, with as minute an account as could be given of the 
appearance and general character of the three assassuis, as des- 
cribed by their victim on his death bed. Companies were organ- 
ized under the direction of discreet and experienced officers — the 
country was searched in every direction, and a night watch kept 
up, but all to no purpose. Day after day the search was contin- 
ued, but not the slightest information could be obtained of the 
murderers. The alarm spread far and wide, but the assassins had 
made good their escape, and the only witness able to identify them, 
the lamented Col. Davenport, could give no testimony in an earthly 
court of justice. His evidence was deferred to be handed in at 
that great court of last appeal, the judgment tribunal of God; 
where no witness shall be absent, and no prisoner found wanting, 
and no victim silenced in death; but face to face, murderer and 
murdered shall stand, in the clear and blazing light of the great 
white throne of the Eternal Judge of all. 



S2 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 



CHAPTER VII. 

rREPARATIONS FOR THE DISCOVERY OP THE MURDERERS. 

On the 8th day of July, the fourth after the murder, while at 
West Point, Lee County, Iowa, in company with Sheriff Estes, 1 
received intelligence of the murder of Col. Davenport, of Rock 
Island, accompanied by a handbill describing the appearance of the 
tiu"ee men. 

I at once suspected, from tiie description, the persons of John 
Long and Judge Fox, two of the witnesses for the Hodges, and a 
man calling himself Blecher, who had assisted Fox in the robbery 
of Beach, the Nauvoo Merchant, a few days previous to the mur- 
der of Davenport, my suspicions also fastened upon him, as the 
third of the persons relerred to by the Colonel. 

Sheriff Estes at once addressed a letter to the Sheriff of Rock 
Island County, recommending him to consult with me as a person 
well acquainted in Nauvoo, and one employed by the authorities 
of Lee County, to assist in the discovery of Tom Brown, one of 
the murderers, with the Hodges, of Miller and Licey. 

I also appended a note to the sheriff's letter, stating my own be- 
lief as to the guilty persons, describing them from my own recol- 
lections, and oflering my hearty co-operation in aid of their dis- 
covery and apprehension. 

On the 15th of July, Hibbard Moore, Esq., called upon me at 
my residence in Montrose, to whom I gave all the information in 
my power. He proceeded down the river, as far as Keokuk, but 
getting no track of the murderers return-ed to Rock Island. 

In the meantime, by means of my correspondence, I ascertained 
the names of all the Hodges' witnesses and other information rela- 
tive to them. I also learned that the two Longs, Fox and Blecher 
were in the habit of stopping with a man by the name of Old 
Grant Redden, whose residence was appropriately located near 
Devil Creek, about five miles from Montrose, I discovered that 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 53 

this Redden kept a genei'al rendevous for the banditti. There 
were four men seen at Redden's about the 8th of July, and had 
soon after taken their departure for Missouri. I also heard that 
four or five men of suspicious appearance were lurking about 
Fort Madison on the 28th and 29th of June, and took passage on 
the steamboat Osprey for Galena. 

At the request of the friends of the late Col. Davenport. I visi- 
ted Rock Island on the 21st of July, to give my aid and counsel 
in devising means to discover the murderers. Of course 1 found 
them all extremely anxious to get upon their track. But the whole 
affair was shrouded in the deepest mystery. A Mr. Bird was 
arrested on suspicion of being one of the murderers, and committed 
to the jail at Rock Island, but investigation clearly proved him 
innocent of the crime. Joseph Knox, Esq., of Rock IsJand, had 
in his possession a letter dated 10th of July, from an eminent law- 
yer of Rockford, Anson S. Miller, Esq., which he submitted to 
my perusal. From this letter I discovered that the description of 
the person who shot Col. Davenport, resembled the appearance of 
the notorious Birch, one of the most daring and desperate mem- 
bers of the gang. This Birch was a man of about twenty-five, or 
thirty years of age, and had been suspected of robbery and even 
of murder, ever since he had attained the age of fifteen years. 
He was a well-made broad breasted man, of a light comjilexion, 
Inrtie blue eyes, and light auburn hair, when fashionably dressed 
seemed ratner slightly built. He was very loquacious, and could 
play the bar-room dandy to perfection. Rock Island had been one 
of his most frequented haunts, where he was known by the name 
of Brown; he had also appeared in different parts of the country 
under the names of Birch, Harris and others. After robbing Mr, 
Mullord, in Winnebago County, he had sought the banks of the 
Mississippi, as the theatre of his exploits. He was also th- chief 
operator in robbing McKinney and the stage of Frink, Walker & 
Co., &c., &c. He was undoubtedly one of the most adroit vil- 
lains in the territory of the northwest. 

On the strength of this letter I brought the whole force of my 
investigation to bear upon this man Birch. My first discovery 
was, that he was the same man, known at Nauvoo, and already 
trequently mentioned in the narration, under the name of Blecher 



54 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! 

This still confirmed my former opinion relative to the murderers 
of Col. Davenport. As yet, however, nothing had been discov- 
ered that would warrant their arrest, with any probability of their 
conviction, unless the money or watch could be found upon them. 
Being assured of a warm and free support in whatever measures 
I might choose to adopt for the discovery of the murderers, I con- 
sented, after much persuasion, to devote my time and efforts to 
the undertaking. I was therefore continually at work collecting 
information, and also in securing such legal documents as might be 
necessary for the arrest of suspected persons. 

On my return home from Rock Island sickness in my family 
compelled me to suspend all active exertion for a time, but I kept 
a watchful eye upon the movements of the gang in my immediate 
vicinity, and thought upon various schemes to get track of the 
murderers. Some of the friends of the gang suspecting my design. 
and, with the intention of misleading me, told me that the watch 
taken from Col. Davenport, was then in the possession of one of 
the banditti, by tlie name of Millard, who was then near Galena, 
and that the murderers themselves were on the Illinois river; with 
many other equally false reports. 

About this time, the citizens of Montrose became exasperated 
beyond endurance at the repeated and almost daily larcenies com- 
mitted in their neighborhood, and some stolen property being tra- 
ced to the house of a man by the name of Potter, living on the 
bank of the Mississippi, half a mile above the town, and who kept 
a ferry known as Thief Ferry, for the accommodation of the Nau- 
voo portion of the gang; determined to check the operations of 
the band of thieves, by what appeared to be the only remedy. 

Some twenty or thirty of the citizens collecting together, pro- 
ceeded to the house of Potter, and removing all the furniture from 
the house, laid the dwelling level with the ground. 

Potter, breathing vengeance, removed his effects to Nauvoo, 
and took up his residence with the most noted members of the gang. 
The citizens then determined to make a similar ejectment of old 
Redden, from Devil's Creek. I however earnestly remonstrated 
against this attempt, and after much persuasion induced them to 
abandon it. I showed them that an interference with the Red- 
dens at this time, might be the means of counteracting all my plans 
relative to ferreting out th(! murdeiiM's of Davenjxnt. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 55 

At length, my suspicions of the assassins were fully corrob- 
orated. A certain John Baker, one of the gang, came into Mont- 
rose, soon after the destruction of Potter's house, with a splendid 
span of bay horses which he offered for sale. I took occasion to 
converse with Baker frequently, and partially gained his confi- 
dence. After many allusions to the various operations of the 
Banditti, in a manner calculated to carry the idea to him that I was 
in fact "one of the b'hoys," I at length ventured to mention the 
name of the Longs and Fox, with others of the gang. 

'"Ah ! " said he, " you are acquainted with Fox ? " 

•'Well acquainted with all of them," was my reply." 

" Where are the boys, now 1 " 

" I don't know exactly. I have not seen them for some time." 

" I have not seen Fox and the Longs in several months," said 
Baker, "since last winter 1 have been in the upper part of Mis- 
souri, and have not known much of what was going on along 
the river." 

" Are you acquainted with the Reddens 1 " 

" Only by reputation. I have frequently heard the boys speak 
of them." 

"I think you might leai-n where some of our fellows are, by go- 
ing to old man Redden's. They usually stop with him when in 
this vicinity; he lives only four or five miles distant." 

" I would like to see some of them," said Baker, "1 used to tra- 
vel with them, but Fox and I have had a little difficulty about 
some property we once owned in company, so I concluded to sep- 
arate — let them go to the devil their own way, and I will go mine." 

" What property was it ] " 

"Oh! some goods we had up on the Sharridon river. Fox 
went south to spend the winter, while I staid behind to sell the 
goods. When he returned, he insisted that I did not account for 
all I had sold. I would not stand this, so we dissolved partner- 
ship, and since then I have not had much deal with him. Yet J 
would like to see some of the old fellows." 

"Then you had better get on a horse and ride out to Redden's. 
It will take you but a short time. If you go, you need not men- 
tion my name, as I am not personally acquainted with the old man, 
and he might think something was wrong." 



5tJ THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" 1 won't — never iear. I know how to satisfy him that I am 
all light." 

Saying this Baker left me, and soon after started for Devil 
Creek. After being gone nearly a day, he returned. I asked him 
what luck he had had. 

" First rate,*' he replied. 

" Did you see any of the boys 1 " 

" No, but I heard all about them." 

"What did you hear 1" 

" Why, d n it, man," he said in a low whisper, " they are 

the ones who killed old Col. Davenport." 

*• Is it so? How do you know that?" 

*' Old Redden told me all about it." 

*'Hedidt I should have thought he would have kept close 
about that." 

*' When I first got there, the old man was a little afraid of me, 
but I told him w ho I was, and he recollected hearing the boys 
speak of me. So, becoming satisfied that I was one of the 7'ight 
stripe, ho told me the whole story." 

" Well," replied I, " keep a tight mouth about it, or the boys 
will get into trouble. What is the old man's history of the af- 
fair 1 " 

'* Fox, John, Aaron, and Birch started from old Redden's to rob 
the Colonel, and when they returned with their booty, they buried 
the wa'ch and money in the old fellow's whoat field. They staid 
there until they received information that Davenport was dead, 
when they put otr." 

" Where are they now ? " 

'*Thoy went back into Missouri, but old Redden docs not know 
exactly where they are at this time." 

*• They are safe, any way, I suppose." 

"Oh, yes! they are acquainted all through the country, and 
have got lots of friends." 

** How did they hear that the old Colonel was dead ? " 

"Aaron Long and Harrison Redden went over to Nauvoo, and 
while there saw a handbill describing three of them, the v/atch, 
and part of the money. They returned to old Redden's, fold the 
news to'.lohu. Fox, and Birch, and they all left the same night." 



i§^\ 




MURDERERS ATTACKING COL. DAVENPORT.— pago 49 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 57 

This intelligence connected with circumstance?; previouslj 
brought to light, fully confirmed in my own mind, the guilt of the 
two Longs, Fox, and Birch. Also the guilt of the Reddens as 
accessoi'ies. Still there was not a particle of direct evidence, and 
much remained to be done. 

Sherift' Estes and James Knox, Esq., were informed of the facta 
elicited by my conversation with Baker, but the same was neces- 
sarily kept from the public. 

A ray of hope had at length dawned upon us. We were satis- 
fied that we knew who the murderers were. The task which 
remained was to discover the evidence necessary to convict them. 
It is a beautiful feature of the great system of law, that the clear- 
est and most undoubted evidence is always required in order to 
convict the criminal, and the fact that the ends of justice are some- 
times defeated by this strict requisition does not at all militate 
againrst its equity as a fixed and abstract rule of action. 

On the first of August I received a letter from Mr. Samuel 
Fisher of Rock Island, in which he spoke of information obtained 
by Mr. Knox, relative to that portion of the banditti who infested 
the country in and around Dixon. Developements had been made by 
a late member of the gang named West, by which it was ascertained 
that this same Robert H. Birch was their acknowledged leader, and 
generally known among them by the name of "The Captain,*' though 
often assuming the aliases above spoken of: Bob Harris, Haines, 
Brown, Blecher, &c. The description of him in this letter accords 
fully with the one already given. He frequently made a tempo- 
rary abiding place at the residence of a man by the name of Ben- 
net, in Iowa, four miles above Lyons, on the Mississippi river. 

This letter also gave a minute description of James Veasey, 
John Killgore, alias Big Davis, William Sutton, (whose real name 
was William Fox,) and stated that Governor Ford of Illinois had 
offered a reward of two hundred dollars for the apprehentnon of 
each person concerned in the murder of Col. Davenport. 

I continued my search in Nauvoo and its vicinity, obtaining 

additional items of importance, until the 7th of August, when 1 

received a letter by the hands of Mr. Fisher, which it may not be 

uninteresting to give verbatim, as showing the deep feeling of the 

communitv in relation to the horrid murder: 

5 



58 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Rock Island, Aug. 6, 1845. 

Dear Sir: Mr. Fisher starts for your place to-day, with a 
view to render you any and all the aid he can in ferreting out the 
murderers. Our anxiety for the speedy arrest of these wretches 
is so great, that we feel inclined to sacrifice time, money, comfort, 
anything and everything, to elfect the object. 

We cluster all our hopes around your plans and efforts. Don't 
let us be disappointed. Heaven send you prosperity and success. 
With much esteem, Yours, truly, 

JOSEPH KNOX. 

With those who had watched the movements of the gang, and 
carefully noted the intelligence received from different sources up 
to the present time, not a shadow of doubt remained as to the 
guilt of Fox, Birch and the two Longs. How many more were 
concerned as accessories, it was impossible to imagine. All who 
were in possession of this information were eager for the pursuit 
^nd arrest of the villains. 

Yet as far as I had investigated the circumstances, I was unable 
to point even to one item of testimony that would legally prove 
their guilt before a court and jury. The description given by 
Col. Davenport of itself could avail nothing. The fact of their 
participating in other crimes had nothing to do with the case now 
under consideration, and any indirect information drawn from mem- 
bers of the gang, could not of course be brought into use as com- 
petent evidence. 1 confess, that confident as I was in my knowl- 
^edge of the guilty persons, I felt much disheartened in view of the 
present aspect of the case. The idea of attempting to pursue and 
arrest four desperate robbers and murderers, who were constantly 
■committing their deeds of darkness, and escaping from point to 
point under cover of the night, and changing their names with 
every change of the wind, with no other track than the one left in 
their flight from old Redden's, and that already one month old, 
certaij;ily gave little prospect of success. 1 felt most heartily will- 
ing to aid the authorities of Rock Island to the extent of my abil- 
ity, yet to assume the responsibility of conducting an enterprise 
of this magnitude was a task I could not willingly undertake. Tlic 
threats made by the banditti against me individually, in conse- 
quence of the part I had already taken in the arrest and prosecu- 
tion of the Hodges, convinced me that some danger must attend 



OR, THE MUUDEREU S BOOM. 59 

any further interference with a formidable and well organized gang. 

After careful thought and reflection, however, I came to the 
decision, that the duty which I owed to my fellows, as one of the 
members of the great social compact, was superior to all other 
considerations, and this determination being once adopted, my after 
course of action was pursued without fear or hesitation. 

On the 11th of August I again visited Rock Island, and bold a 
consultation with some of the prominent citizens of the place and 
neighborhood. 

In this consultation the subject was viewed in two lights. We 
must either abandon all hopes of bringing the murderers to justice, 
submit quietly to the ravages of the banditti, and suffer ourselves, 
our friends and our neighbors, to share the fate of Miller, Liecy, 
and Davenport, or, on the other hand, the most earnest and deter- 
mined effort must be made to rescue the distracted country from 
tiie ruthless ravages of this organized banditti. 

It was finally decided that some person should be selected whose 
duty it should be to adopt some plan to get admitted as one of the 
members of the gang; obtain their full confidence, and by search- 
ing out, and connecting facts, eventually secure the arrest and con- 
viction of the guilty wretches. 

1 was earnestly solicited to undertake this dangerous adventure. 
I declined, and plead my situation in excuse. 1 had a wife and 
children, and failure in the attempt was certain death. But no 
other person could be found who was considered competent to the 
tnsk, and the visage of the venerable and lamented Davenport — 
his grey hairs clotted with blood, and his frame distorted in the 
agonies of a terrible death, cried aloud for vengeance and justice. 

I at length consented, cxticting and receiving a pledge for the 
support and protection of my family and the education of my 
children, in the event of my losing my life in the adventure. 

1 obtained the necessary legal documents from the authorities 
of Rock Island County, and prepared to proceed to Galena and the 
mining regions of Wisconsin and Iowa, with letters to Hon's. 
Judge Brown, J. P. Hoge, .ludge Wilson and General Wilson, citi- 
zens of Galena and Dubuque. In these letters the secret and 
hazardous nature of my business was fully set forth, and their co- 
operation solicited, which I need not say was readily accorded. 



80 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

At Dubuque, his Honor Judge Wilson acconr.panied me to the 
Miner's Bank, and aided me in obtaining blank sheets of Bank 
notes, by the possession of which 1 hoped 'o decoy the gang into 
full confidence. 

At the risk of being considered somewhat too minute, 1 shall 
proceed to narrate my endeavors to get admission to the ranks of 
the banditti, in some of which I was on the wrong track, or at 
least not in the most direct one 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. ' 61 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE REVELATIONS OF GRAXVILLE YOUNG. 

The day following my visit to the Miner's Bank at Dubuque, I 
returned to Galena and made vigilant search for the man said to 
have possession of Col. Davenport's watch. At length I found a 
man, that I believed to be the person. 

Addressing him without introduction, and with the freedom 
which the frankness and cordiality of western life and social inter- 
course justifies, after some preliminary and unimportant conver- 
sation, I said, 

" Sir, I have your name from a source which I think entitles me 
to approach you in a confidential manner. Have you a private 
room at the hotel ? " 

'* Yes ! follow me," he said, conducting me to his apartment. 

" Look at these articles," said I, drawing the bank bills from my 
pocket, and presenting them for his inspection, "what do you think 
of them ? " 

After a long and critical examination he replied: 

" They are very good, but I think the paper is a little thinner 
than that issued by the bank." 

" Not much," was my answer, " they may appear thin now, but 
l)y use, you know, they will collect dirt, and become rough, when 
they will seem about as thick as the genuine note paper," 

" They are the best I ever saw in this country; but we are too 
near the bank for a successful disposition of them. Being rather 
ihin, they would soon be detected. It is only fifteen miles from 
here to the Dubuque Bank." 

" I know it is not far," I said, " yet I believe we might put a few 
thousand of these bills in circulation around Galena, without detec- 
tion." 

" Perhaps so. I acknowledge it is a strong temptation, but I do 
not want to touch the matter. Let me tell you, sir, I am now do- 



62 ^ THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES 

ing a good, honest business — no matter what I have done. I 
have had nothing to do with matters of this kind, since 1 left De- 
troit. If I should be suspected it would injure me more than all I 
could make out of it. But there are enough others who would be 
glad to get as good an article as this. 

" I know that well enough." 

" How much of it have youl " 

"About fifteen thousand dollars." 

"A good operation ought to be made out of that amount." 

" Yes. Are you acquainted in this part of the country 1" 

" I am generally acquainted in this vicinity." 

" Do you know the name of Long or Fox I " 

" No, not any by those names." 

" If I could find them, I think we could come to an understand- 
ing very soon." 

" The only man in this part of the country I am acquainted with 
who deals in matters of this kind, lives three or four miles east 
of here. You had better go and see him. At any rate, I won't 
have anything to do with it." 

I had become convinced that this man had no connection what- 
ever with the banditti, and was not the one described as having 
possession of Col. Davenport's watch. Although it is pi-obable 
that at some period of his life, he had been engaged in criminal 
transactions, yetas he had manifested a desire to abandon them, and 
lead an honorable life, I will not mention his name. It is very dif 
ficult to return to the path of virtue, after having wandered in tlu' 
by-ways of vice, and when any one attempts it, all should be cau- 
tious how tbey throw impediments in the way. 

I, however, called u{)on the man he referred me to, but got no 
intelligence whatever from him. 

After spending several days among the lead mines, and bccom- 
ijig satisfied that the story of the w^atch being in that neighbor- 
hood was a ruso intended to mislead me, I took passage on board 
the steamboat War Eagle, bound for St. Louis. 

Soon after leaving the port, a young man addressed me by my 
name. I did not at first remember him. 

" My name is Young," he, said "I was sick last winter in Loo- 
mis' tavern at Nauvoo, and saw you occasionally in the bar- room. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 63 

1 finally remembered hearing of him, as one of the gang, at the 
time of my search after Tom Brown. 

*' Seeing that we are old acquaintances, Mr. Young," I said, 
" suppose we go into the saloon and take a social glass ! " 

"Agreed," he said. 

" What kind of a speculation are you in now-a-days ? '' I asked 
as we touched glasses." 

*' Nothing in particular. J have been at work of late a few miles 
from Galena. A while ago, I was up as far as Prairie du Chien, on 
a little operation." 

" I think 1 am not mistaken," said 1, " in taking you for one of 
the right stripe? '" 

" Well 1 don't know ! What do you call the right stripe ? " 

*'' Pshaw ! you know what I mean." 

A half smile played around his lips as he replied. 

"Oh. if you mean a fellow who Ukes a glass now and then, lam 
of the right stripe — let's take another ! " 

I found this man continually on his guard, and returning with 
him to the hurricane deck, after much conversation in which 1 
aimed to draw from him some account of the operations of the 
gang, I was obliged to give him up for a bad job, as far as the 
l)resent time was concerned. 

Early the next morning I again met Young in the saloon, and 
walking to the hurricane deck, I accosted him with the remark, 
that 

'• I had heard his name mentioned as one of our sort of boys, 
and," continued I, '• if you will promise me the most profound 
secrecy, I would like to show you a little matter that is worth 
looking at." 

" I promise," he said. 

" Look at these blank bills on the Miners' Bank at Dubuque, and 
see if you could tell them from the genuine.'' 

After a very close inspection, he remarked, 

"That's a d d good article: how much of it have you 

got?" 

" Only enough for a sample, with me." 

"How much can you raise like it ? " 

"About fifteen thousand dollars. I must however, go to Cincin- 
nati fi'Nt, as none of it as yet is filled up or signed." 



64 THF, BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

"It is really a splendid imitation. How much do you ask per 
dollar for it ]" 

'' I don't know exactly, until I count up all of the expenses con 
riected with preparing it." 

'• It is worth the highest price ! " 

*• How much do you usually pay for this kind of article 1 " 

" We pay from fifteen to twenty-five dollars a hundred. When 
it is new, if good, like this, it is worth about twenty-five per cent. 
After it is detected, and blown in the newspapers, of course it is 
not worth so much." 

" No, certainly not." 

" I'll give you twenty-five per cent for this, and find a market for 
all you have or can raise." 

"I don't think I can afford it for twenty-five dollars on a hun- 
dred. It has cost me a pile of money to get it up, and it is about 
as good as the genuine bills right out of the bank." 

'' True, it is." 

" I think I ought to have half the face of it, but if 1 can make 
sale of all 1 have, 1 will let it go for something less. I shall, how- 
ever, insist upon the best kind of funds, if 1 sell it for anything 
short of fifty per cent.'' 

" That is fair enough," said he, still continuing to gaze upon the 
money with undisguised admiration. 

" Besides it will take one sometime to go to Cincinnati, and get 
it all signed, and return with it." 

'• That will just suit me, for my pockets are pretty light now. 
I'm nearly sti-appcd. I shall make a raise pretty soon, however, 
and I know lots of the boys who will buy it." 

" You ought not to get dead broke, when you have nothing to 
do but to rake down some man, and there are plenty of them in 
this part of the country who have got money." 

"It is not so easy making a raise, when one is broke; half th(; 
sights we undertake are failures. Then we have a good many to 
divide with, and it costs fellows of our free and easy habits some- 
thing to live." 

" Yes, so it does." 

*' When I have money, I always spend it freely." 

" That's the only way to live." 

♦•As far as I am concerned, I would not live any other." 



OR, THE MURDERER S J)OOM. 65 

'' But you occasionally 7'aise a horse, and make something that 
way, do you not? " 

"Yes, that was my operation at Prairie du Chien, I took two 
good horses up there, but sold them cheap, and have been spreeing 
it like the devil ever since." 

"Are you entirely out of money?" 

"Ihav'n't got enough to pay my fare on the boat, but I shall 
raise some at Nauvoo. 1 have lots of friends in that place.' 

" Let me lend you a few dollars," said 1, handing them to hun. 
You can repay me at some convenient time." 

" Thank you, I can go through on this." 

'• I never allow any of the right stripe to want for money when 
I have plenty myself." 

" You are a d d good, whole-souled fellow. I was a little 

afraid of you at first " 

" No more than was proper. We must all be careful. 1 suppose 
the boys about Nauvoo have plenty of money now. Thcv have 
made some pretty good hauls of late." 

" Yes, I reckon they have. I have not been in Nauvoo since 
spring. I shall stop there now." 

" Do you know Jack Redden of Devil Creek?" 

" Very well." 

" What do you think of him ? " 

" I don't hke him. He is not honorable among his friends." 

" Is he not ? I thought he was true blue." 

"I have been in a good many S7ia.ps with Jack. He always 
manages to get the money into his own hands, and holds on to it, 
like the cholera to a nigger. I know of several good sights which 
1 inUMid to raise as soon as I can get the light kind of boys to help 
me, but Jack Redden can't have a chance in; he has cheateil (no 
enouf'h ahead v." 

" Were it not that I must go to Cincinnati immediately, I would 
like to go in with you." 

" I would like to have you." 

" How many would be necessary to raise the sights ? " 

" Three or four would be enough." 

"Where are they?" 

" Two at Dubuque, one in Iowa nearly opposite . the mouth of 



66 THR BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES'. 

the Fever Riv-er, and three or four a few miles from Galena in the 
lead mines." 

" Why did you not raise them when you were up there? " 

'• The boys up around Galena are d — d cowards. They dare not 
do anything. There is Millard who keeps a grocery about two 
miles cast of Galena. He is a great braggart, but dare not do any- 
thing without some of us go ahead; and then he is leaky as an old 
boat, always telling every thing. I dare not have anything to do 
with him. Then there is Aaron Long, but he won't do anything 
without the Judge." 

"Ah ! " thinks I to myself, " thank heaven, I am getting him into 
the true track at last." 

" So, you see," continued he, '* the boys are all lying on their 
oars. I wouldn't give a d n for such partners." 

" Who do you mean by the Judge 1 " 

" You must know him ! " 

"The boys go by so many different names that it is possible, I 
may know him under some other title." 

'* His name is Fox, and we all look upon him as one of our 
leaders." 

" Can you get Fox to help you make these raises about Galena 
and Dubuque, by the time that I return from Cincinnati, with these 
fifteen thousand dollars in Dubuque paper] " 

" I am afraid he has left this part of the country, and will not re- 
turn until fall. Then he will be in Galena, and the boys won't do 
much until he docs return." 

" If Fox does not return in time, can't we persuade Aaron 
Long to help us. I do not see why we should all wait for Fox." 

"Aaron told me that ho should stay at his father's, out six miles 
^rom Galena, until the Judge and John Long come back. Besides 
I and Aaron are not good friends. He was dead broke a while ago 
and I lent him twenty dollars, which he won't pay me now, and he 
has made a good raise since, too. In fact, the reason I am out of 
money now is that he won't do the fair thing by me." 

" Does old Jjong understand all the boys' operations'?" 

" Yes, and the old woman, too." 

'' Does she \ ^ 

" Yes ! she is keener than all the rest of the familv put to- 
gether." 



OR. THE MURDERER'S DOOM. 67 

" Do John Long and the Judge travel together ? " 

" Yes, they have done so for the last three or four j'ears, and 
shared equally in all that they could raise." 

'•I think we had better get some of the boy? from Nauvoo, to 
help us raise your sights. I believe Jack Redden can be made to 
divide honorably." 

" Well I don't. He is not to be trusted. Just let me tell you 
one of his d d mean operations." 

" A while ago I took a trip with him and William Louther, over 
on the Illinois River. Louther parted from us at Pekin and ascen- 
ded the river to look up some sights. Jack Redden and I stopped 
there with an old Mormon, and staid several days. While there, 
Jack preached several times in the neighborhood — pretty fair 
sermons, too, as well as I can judge of such articles. They all 
seem to have about the same quantity of fire and brimstone in 
them, as though men were to be frightened into heaven, rather 
than reasoned there. Jack put in the big licks, till he made some 
of them look blue. 

" Well, we found the old man had lots of money in the house, 
and thought it would be chari-table to relieve him of some of it. So 
Jack fixed up a story and told the Oid Mormon, that Brigham 
Young wanted to get specie, to purchase materials for the Holy 
Temple, that could not be obtained for any thing but gold and 
silver. 

The old Mormon expressed his willingness to make the exchange 
of specie for bills if it would accomodate Brigham, and gave Jack 
tliC gold for a hundred dollar counterfeit bill. A good load — that 
nf Jacks ! was' n't it? " 

'•The old jNIormon had sixteen or seventeen hundred dollars in 
specie left, and we noticed particularly in what part or the house 
he kept it, and made an agreement with each other to go back and 
raise it. 

" When Louther returned, we all started off up the river, and 
made an easy raise of about two hundred and forty dollars. I did 
most of this thing myself I crawled in at a window, over a bed 
where two persons were sleeping. Whiie getting in, I accident- 
ally put my hand on a person's face, where two persons were 
sleeping in one bed. Neither of them, however, awoke, and I 



68 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

crept on to a desk containing the money, appropriated it as quietly 
as possible, and escaped by the same window; making off without 
waking any one in the house. After this adventure, Jack proposed 
that we should part for a few days, and apppoint a place of meet- 
inff. Suspecting nothing, we agreed, and the rascal the next night 
went back to the old Mormon's alone, and entering the house, took 
all his cold, and a hundred dollar counterfeit bill which he had 
passed upon him, and made off with it without being discorered. 
He then went and buried it, and would not divide with us. All 1 
got was a third of the two hundred and forty dollars, and such is 
the wav Jack Redden always serves his comrades. I have deter 
mined to have no more to do with him." 

*' Well, he is a shrewd fellow." 

" Yes, too d — d shrewd for me." 

" Are you acquainted with the old man Redden, and William H. 
Redden '? " 

" Oh, yes ! I always stop with them. Redden is a fine old fellow. 
He always keeps the boys when they w-ant to stop with him; and 
lets them pay up when they are a mind to. Harrison lives at 
home with the old man, and don't travel much. He is more hon- 
orable in his deal with the boys than Jack is." 

'• 1 suppose the old man and Harrison know all about your 
business? " 

" Yes they understand all that is going on. After stopping a 
few days at Nauvoo, I shall go over to the old man's and stay 
several weeks." 

" Will the Judge and the Longs like to get some of my Dubuque 
paper ? " 

" Yes, they will take lots of it." 

" Will they i-aise much money this summer ] " 

" They have made some pretty good raises recently." 

" I suppose they r-aise some good horses? " 

" Yes, and they look up some first-rate sights !" 

" Some of the boys made a good raise lately from Colone 
Davenport. They were smart enough not to get caught. I have 
no idea myself who they were." 

♦* Oh ! I know all about that." 

" Who were they I " 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 69 

•' Judge Fox, Birch, John Long, and Aaron Long, are the ones 
who robbed Col. Davenport." 

" I was told that Davenport in his description, spoke only of 
three men,'" 

" Very true ! those were all he saw — but Aaron stood sentry 
outside, while Fox, John, and Birch, did the work in the house.' 

" How much did they get 1 " 

" I saw Aaron, but he would not tell me horv much they got. He 
tried to make me think they got only a small sum, but I knew 
better, I saw him have a large roll of Missouri bills, and some 
silver, and tried to have him pay me that twenty dollars he owed 
me, but he refused." 

'* Did you know anything of the Davenport matter, before 
Aaron told you ? " 

" Yes, I will tell you all about it. I had been out on the Illinois 
River, and rai-scd two horses near Hennepin, I run them across 
the country to Fort Madison, where I met the Longs, Birch, and 
Fox. I had not seen them for several months, and inquired what 
they were doing. They said they were going up to Rock Island 
to rake down an old man. I asked them if they had a good sight. 
They said that they had, and expected to raise thirty or forty 
thousand dollars. I proposed to go in with them for the sight, but 
they refused, saying that their company was made up, and that 
four was enough to make the raise. I insisted on going in, as 1 
had been with them in a good many hard scrapes, in which we had 
made little or nothing. But they would not admit me; stating 
that they had already been at a good deal of expense, and would 
be obliged to divide with the man who had got up the sight for 
them. I left them and went out to Devil Creek to rest my horses 
for a few days — then run up to Prairie du Chien; sold my horses, 
and returned to old man Long's where I have been staying until 
I started on this trip down the river." 

" Have you seen the boys since you left them at Fort Madison "?" 

"■ None but Aaron, he was at his father's when { arrived there 
from Prairie du Chien.'' 

" Does old Long do anything at this business T " 

" Not much. He only keeps a station, and takes care of what 
the boys bring to him to deposite." 



70 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" Did Aaron tell you where the boys met after robbing the old 
Colonel '! " 

" They all left the Island together, and went down the river to 
old Redden's, where they staid until news reached them that 
Davenport was dead, when Aaron returned home to his father's, 
and Fox, John, and Birch went back into Missouri," 

" Well, I suppose they will know enough to take care of them- 
selves and not get caught." 

" No danger of that. They are old liands at the business; know 
how to take care of themselves, and have plenty of friends." 

Through this long conversation, Young had made his statements 
without seeming to have any suspicion; and I determined to keep 
him talking, as • his information was already very valuable, and 
more yet might be obtained from him. 

" Have you made any i-aises since you sold your horses at Prairie 
da Chien 1 " 

*' No; I tried a small one when I reached Dubuque, but did not 
succeed. I was lounging in a store, and seeing the merchant 
changing some money, noticed a quantity of gold in his desk. I 
accordingly watched the store, and while he was at supper, entered 
the back door, and approached the desk, when, hearing him upon 
the front steps, I ran out as he was opening the door, and escaped 
unnoticed. 

" After watching for several days, I got in again, and was in the 
very act ot opening the desk, when the merchant entered at the 
front door. This was just at the dusk of evening, I left very 
suddenly, as you may imagine, with the merchant at my heels, 
crying, 'stop thief, stop thief,'at the top of his lungs. I ran through 
the alley, and towards the riyer. with all possible expedition. 

" Near the bank of the river was a house kept by some girls of 
the right sort, with whom I was well ac;quainted. When I burst 
into the house, the merchant was but a few steps behind me. I 
cried to the girls to hide me." 

" Here," said big Maria, " squat in the corner of the room," and 
she threw some bed clothes over me. 

" Where is the thief," cried the merchant, entering the room, 
the next instant, puffing and blowing like a porpoise. 

" Who do you mean l " asked Big Maria, very innocently 



>R, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 71 

" Did not a man just come in here 1 " 

*' Yes, but he passed out at the back door." 

"Oh! I'm after him then," and away he went, snuffing and 
wheezing hke a locomotive, and I saw no more of him. I tell 
you, friend ! there is nothing like a woman, to keep a man out of 
a scrape. She is quicker-witted than a man, and has more self- 
command in a tight place. The first raise I make I shall remember 
Big Maria — my word ibr that. I staid with the girls till about 
nine o'clock, and then left town for Galena, and old man Long's." 

" How," I asked, " did the boys first learn that Col. Davenport 
had money, and by what means they could get itt " 

'• The man who got up the sight lives in the vicinity of Rock 
Island, and is well acquainted with the family of Col. Davenport. 
He has lived with him, worked for him, and knows all about the 
situation of the house. About two weeks before the boys made 
the raise he went to Davenport's house, spent the afternoon, and 
took supper with the fauiily, under pretence of a friendly visit, but 
for the real purpose of ascertaining the situation of the family at 
the time, to enable the boys to decide upon the most practicable 
mode of attack, 

" He ascertained that there were four men in the family at the 
time, that they all slept in the upper room, and were well supplied 
with weapons of defence, and that the old man kept his money in 
a chamber." 

"Did you learn the name of this man who got up the sight 1 " 

" No; in relating the circumstances the boys did not mention his 
name." 

" Do you think they have gone so far into Missouri that they 
will not return by the time I get back from Cincinnati with the 
$15,000 of Dubuque paper'? I really want to go in with you to 
raise the sights you speak of." 

" They will go to St. Louis, and probably to Indiana, before 
they return, and will no', be in this part of the "^ountrv before next 
fall." 

" As soon as I get back with this bogus, and supply you and 
your friends, if there is no better speculation on hand I want to 
take an extensive trip through the country." 

" You would have a great time." 



72 THR BAXDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" 1 suppose you arc acquainted with all the boys, and can tell me 
vvhere to go, and who to call upon that are of the right stripe ? " 

" Yes, I know all the boys south and west, as well as those about 
the lead-mines. I can give you four hundred names if you want 
'.hem, but you won't need so many." 

" Oh, no." 

"Tell me which way you want to travel, and I will give you a 
few names to call on, and those I introduce you to, can give you 
all the names you will want in travelling from point to point." 

"I intend to journey through Missouri to St. Louis; and per- 
haps travel east or south from that city." 

■•'If you leave the Mississippi and travel west, call on Packard, 
at Packard's Grove, on the Sharridon River, near the line between 
Missouri and Iowa, about one hundred miles west of the Missis- 
sippi River. He keeps a station there, and knows all the boys in 
the upper part of Missouri. Fox always puts up with him when 
he travels in that part of the country. 

" In St. Louis, find Thomas Reynolds who keeps a livery stable, 
near the corner of Third and Plume Streets. A good many of 
our fellows stop with him, and he buys horses of them. He is an 
honorable man, and knows all the boys about St. Louis. I know 
him well, just tell him 1 told you to call on him, and that will be 
sufficient introduction. 

*• On the road leading from St. Louis to St. Charles, about five 
miles from the city, you will find a man by the name of Raijjnond. 

^'■JohnBirch, father of the Birch who was with Fox and the Longs, 
when they robbed old Davenport, lives nine miles south-west of 
Marshall, the county seat of Clark County, Illinois. He keeps a 
station, and knows all the boys in that vicinity. For a few more 
of the best kind of fellows I refer you to 

" John Stoiv in Vandalia, Illinois. 

" Iliram Long, cousin to John and Aaron Long. Shack Phips, 
and John Singleton, nil living in the same town, in Owen County, 
Indiana, south-east of Tcrrehaut, near Eel River. 

^•Jack Burton, in Spice Valley, Indiana, and 

"J5. B. Logan, in Memphis, Tennessee. 

" You can call on any of those men. They are all true blue, 
and of the right stripe. They will give you all the information. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 73 

and render you all the assistance you will need, if you will just 
tell them that you are a friend of Granville Youngy 

Thus ended the precious revelations of this rascal. I trust the 
reader will not consider my long conversation with him devoid of 
interest. He will perceive that it was of great importance to me 
in my arduous undertaking; containing a full and explicit state- 
ment of the steps of the murderers, previous to the attack upon the 
mansion of the lamented Davenport. 

It also proved that more than Fox, Birch, and the Longs were 
engaged in that cowardly murder, involving himself as accessory, 
and placing me upon the track of a new, and perhaps greater 
scoundrel, than either of those actually engaged in the murder; I 
mean the villain, who under the guise of friendship, had obtained 
the necessary information for them, and who was plotting it, even 
when sharing the hospitality and kindness of the venerable old 
man, beneath the shadow of his own roof. 

6 



74 THE BANDITTI OF THE PAIRIERS: 



CHAPTER IX. 

A DETENTION of the Steamer at Rock Island, enabled me to dis- 
close to those, who were in possession of my secret purpose, the 
important communications received from Granville Young, and to 
make further arrangements to prosecute the search for the three 
murderers who left Redden's for Missouri. 

When I had nari'ated the particulars of the part acted by the 
man who had visited at the house of Col. Davenport, under the 
garb of friendship, George L. Davenport, Esq., recognised, in the 
description, the person of one John Baxter, who had been for 
several years, and was, at the time of the murder, a resident of 
Rock Island, but soon after that event had removed to Jefferson, 
Wisconsin, wholly unsuspected. 

This scoundrel, John Baxter, whose name should be printed upon 
his front, in letters as black as his heart, was now a prominent 
object of attention, and we rejoiced that, in the event of his con- 
viction, his punishment, as accessory, would be no less severe than 
that of the active perpetrators of the murder. 

As the reader will notice, the present position of the murderers, 
as far as we had discovered who they were, was as follows: three 
of the principals, according to the intelligence received by Granville 
Young, were travelling in the gang. Aaron Long, the other of 
the murderers, was at his fathers, six miles east of Galena. John 
Baxter was in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Old Grant Redden and Wm. 
Redden, on Devil Creek, in Lee County, Iowa, and Granville 
Young was then a passenger on the steamboat, on his way to 
Nauvoo, and Devil Creek. Most of these could be arrested at 
our pleasure, but it was determined to suffer the five to remain 
unmolested, and pursue Fox, John Long, and Birch. This must 
be accomplished by following the trail marked out by Granvilk 
Young. 

Fearing that the Dubuque blank bills, which had succeeded in 
winning the confidence of Young, might not be available in all parts 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 75 

of the country through which I must necessarily travel, I made 
arrangements, by the aid of Joseph Knox, Esq., and others, before 
leaving Rock Island, to obtain from the State Bank of Missouri, at 
St. Louis, such blank bills, and other accommodations as I might 
desire, to decoy the gang, and aid me in the pursuit of the 
murderers. 

Everything being satisfactorily arranged, and the most profound 
secrecy enjoined upon all concerned in the plot, I left Rock Island 
upon my downward trip to St. Louis. 

Resuming my interview with Young, 1 obtained much additional 
information relative to the extensive organization and operations 
of the gang. 

This Young informed me that he was a native of Virginia, and 
nad been a member of the united Banditti for about seven years. 
He had left his native place about five years before my acquaintance 
with him commenced, with several stolen horses. Although vigor- 
ously pursued, he evaded his followers, and escaped with the horses 
into Kentucky; then crossing the Ohio River into Indiana, he dis- 
posed of his horses without suspicion. 

lie also stated that Killgore, alias Big Davis, who, with Birch 
and others, robbed Mulford, in Winnebago County, was then on 
Sharridon River, in the neighborhood of Packard's Grove. 

Granville Young left the War Eagle at Nauvoo, from whence 
he proceeded to old Redden's on Devil Creek, where he was after 
wards arrested. 

On arriving at Montrose, 1 informed Jos. Knox, Esq., oi the 
present abiding place of Killgore, the notorious robber, suggesting 
that he might be arrested without difficulty. 

1 also discovered, by conversing with Mr. Loomis of Nauvoo, 
that the bloody coats found near the Robbers* Camp — so called — he 
thought he could identify as being the coats of .Tohn Long and Fox 
He also believed the gloves belonged to Birch. 

This Robbers' Camp was found in the bluffs, south of Rock 
Island, and near it were discovered two coats stained with blood, 
concealed under leaves and rubbish. In a pocket of the coat were 
a pair of kid gloves, afterwards identified as the property of Birch. 

On the 23rd of August I arrived at St. Louis. I found that not- 



76 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

withstanding the supposed secrecy with which our plot was pro- 
gressing, there was a leaky vessel some where among us, and tha? 
some inkling of our project had been seized upon by the editor ol 
the Quincy Whig; in the lastnumber of whose paper an article had 
appeared containing enough to put the murderers upon their guard. 
As this article had been copied into the St. Louis papers, my first 
undertaking was to have it contradicted, in which 1 succeeded, by 
the aid of Dr. Knox. 1 felt very much vexed and disheartened 
at the discovery that some one or more of those in the secret had 
thus failed to exercise common prudence and caution in a matter 
of so much importance. 1 was almost inclined to return home, 
and abandon all hopes of arresting the perpetrators of the murder. 
I had attempted an enterprise, hazardous in the extreme — one in 
which a hope of pecuniary reward alone would never have induced 
me to engage in, and I certainly was excusable in feeling some 
discouragement at these premature developments. It would have 
been time enough to have given facts to the public when it could 
have been done without prejudice to the public good. 

I completed the ari-angement with the State Bank of Missouri, 
and obtained the blank bills agreeably to my I'equest. 

While in St. Louis, Dr. Reuben Knox, and J. S. Dougherty, 
city Marshal, rendered me all the assistance in their power, 
towards accomplishing the object of my mission. 

I inquired for Reynold's livery stable keeper, to whom I had 
been referred by Young. His general character, as far as known, 
the Marshal informed me was good. I determined, however, to 
give him a call. 1 met him in the street, and introduced mysclt as 
Mr. Brown. 

" I have been referred to you Mr. ReynoJds, as a gentleman with 
whom it would be beneficial for me to have a little pjivate conver 
sation.'* 

" Who referred you to tne t '* 

''Granville Young." 

" I don't know any sucli man.' 

*' Do you not." 

"No.'"' 

" Do vou know Thomas Brown of Nauvoo 1 " 



OR, THE murderer's doo:\t. 77 

"No." 

"Do you know any one by the name of Long or Birch'?'' 

" No, I do not." 

*' You are probably then, not the person I was referred to by my 
triend, Granville Young." 

" Where do you reside?" he asked. 

** In no particular place. Wherever business calls me." 

Heynolds watched the expression of my countenance very 
closely, and finally said — 

'• I think 1 understand your business." 

" That is sufficient. The public street is no place for confiden- 
tial conversation." 

''I have no private room." 

•' Is there no place in which we can meet '( " 

'' Any where you please." 

" Well, 1 will get a horse and carriage at the Walton House and 
we will ride into the country." 

'• Very well ! 1 will meet you at the Walton House in one hour 
from this time." 

Reynolds met me punctually at the time of his appointment. 
We rode through the principal streets, and were quite out of the 
city before I again inti'oduced my business. 

" You may think, Mr. Reynolds !" I said, " that I am rather free 
for a stranger, but when 1 have satisfactory references, 1 am not 
backward in making business known, aud have no fears that you 
will betray me." 

" I am not apt to betray confidence." 

" Well then, I will show you a little specimen of work, which I 
think will meet your approbation. W^hat do you think of it 1 " 

I produced my blank bills on the Miners' Bank and the State 
Bank of Missouri. After inspecting them he replied — 

•* It is very good. How much have you like it I " 

" Only a few samples, but will soon have plenty of it. When I 
return I would like to leave a few thousand in the city. Young 
tells me you are acquainted with all the boys in this vicinity, and 
would not hesitate to assist me." 

*' I think I can render you some aid, if you request it. When I 



78 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

first met you, I thought best to be a little careful. It is squalh 
timos about here now. The officers are watching for Tinker from 
(Cincinnati, and some others, but they won't find them 1 reckon," 

" Is Tinker in this city ? " 

" Yes, but he can't be seen at present." 

" Are the buys doing anything in this part of the country now V 

•']\ot much. I am well acquainted with the men whose names 
you mentioned, but I must confess 1 was at first afraid you were a 
spy.'' 

*' 1 thought that Young would not misinform me." 

" No; Young is true as steel." 

" He directed me to you, as being able to accomplish more than 
any one here." 

" These are the best imitations of the genuine bills I ever saw. 
None but the best judges could detect them.'' 

'' So / think myself. It costs a pile of money to engrave as 
good a ])late as this, yet I believe I can realize a few thousand 
dollars out of it." 

" 1 have no doubt you will do well with it. 1 don't know of 
anything of the kind now in St. Louis. I have a little bogus gold 
but have been dealing mostly in horses , and keep a livery stable. 
I buy horses very cheap of the boys; then fit them up to suit 
myself, and take them down the river to sell." 

*' Do you not occasionally have an owner come for a horse 1 '' 

" Not often ! 1 Imvc had as many as eighteen or twenty horses 
at one time, and never had one claimed. I usually keep them out 
of sight until I get them fitted for market, and changing their 
appearance as much as possible, I put them on board a steamboat, 
and run them down to the southern market. 1 remember once I 
got frightened; 1 took a horse of one of the boys, who had stolen 
him back in the country. Before 1 had time to fix up and dispose 
of the horse, the man who had stolen him, was taken dangerously 
ill: his attending physician pronounced his disease incurable, and I 
was fearful that he -vould get frightened and confess every thing. 
In the meantime there was such close search for the horse, that J 
was compelled to keep him secreted; but 1 sheared and docked 
him, so as to ch „nge his appearance as much as possible. The 



OR, THE MURDERER'S DOOM. 79 

fel/ow finally died, good grit, without btowing on any body; and 
watching my opportunity, I got the horse down the river, sold him, 
and so the matter ended.'' 

" Are you dealing in horses now, or don't the boys keep you 
well supplied] " 

" Not very well at present. I got two horses a few days ago. 
One of the Longs, Fox, and Birch, came here with three good 
horses, a few days since, and left two of them with me. I had no 
suitable place to keep them, so I took them out a few miles, and 
put them in pasture." 

" Young tells me that Fox and Birch are gained 

" They are — no mistake." 

" I would like to get acquainted with them. Don't you think 
they will want to get some of the paper t I should be glad to 
supply them, with any quantity, upon my return. I suppose they 
always have plenty of money 1 " 

*' They appear to be Jliish. I never saw Birch until he came 
here the other day with Fox and Long. Fox I have been 
acquainted with for a long time, and believe I know as much about, 
nis business as any other man. He has plenty of money — has 
always been very successful, and never spends much." 

"What does he do with his money? I suppose, of course, be 
don't carry it about with him." 

" He tells me that he has about two thousand dollars secreted in 
the bluffs on the D«s Moines River, in Iowa, concealed in four 
separate bottles, corked and sealed, air-tight. Fox is the most 
energetic fellow I ever saw. He doesn't mind lying out three or 
four nights in succession to accomplish his designs. Storms, cold, 
or heat, hunger or fatigue, are all the same to him. When he 
once gets a good sight he never fails to raise it." 

" Is John Long as much of a hero as Fox 1 " 

" I am not as well acquainted with Long as with Fox. His 
physical povi^ers are not equal to those of Fox, and he cannot 
endure as much." 

*' Where did they raise their horses, which they have left with 
you ? " 

" In the upper part of Missouri. The one they did not leave 



80 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

with me, was the finest race mare 1 ever saw in my Hfe. Fox 
said he would not take a thousand dollars for her." 

" Are the boys in St. Louis now 1 " 

" No, not now." 

" Where are they 1 " 

" I don't know exactly." 

"• I wish 1 could find them. Fox seems to be a splendid fellow.' 

*' Yes, and the others are of the 7-ight stripe." 

" I suppose I cannot see them, then t" 

" They left St. Louis in a hurry about the first day of Angust. 
I was up town and happening to come across the Chicago Demo- 
crat, read an article containing the disclosures of West, and impli- 
cating Fox, Long, and Birch, in several robberies on Rock River, 
and also expressing the opinion that they were concerned in the 
Davenport murder, on Rock Island. 1 carried the paper home, 
and showed it to the boys. They left St. Louis, and crossed to 
Illinoistown the same day. Just at night. Fox returned after his 
race mare; he swore that his name should never be Fox, alias 
Sutton again and said they were all going east." 

" Do you think they were concerned in the robbery and murder 
of Col. Davenport ? " 

'• They did not tell me whether they were or not ! I don't know 
anything about it." 

" I suppose they are of!' on some good speculation 1 " 

*' Yes; Fox is always busy somewhere." 

" How much of my paper shall I reserve for you when I return 
from Cincinnati 1 " 

" If it is all as good as the sample, I shall want a considerable 
amount of it, but can't tell exactly how much. I am trying to get 
a tavern stand up street. If I succeed in that I shall want a big 
pile of it. Don't you want some of this goldt" 

Reynolds handed me a counterfeit five dollar gold coin which 1 
inspected. 

*' I think not at present. I would not dare to pass it while hav- 
ing all these blank bills in my possession. If I should be arrested 
for passing the gold, and the bills found on me, it would not be an 
easy matter to get out of the scrape." 



OR, THE 3IURDEREr's DOOIM. 81 

"You are right. I like to see the boys, cautious, yet 1 would 
like to let you have a quantity of it, and we can make it all right 
when you return from Cincinnati." 

" I believe I will not meddle with it now." 

After a pleasant half day's ride around the beautiful environs of 
St. Louis, we returned to the city, the interview having given me 
fresh track of the murderers. 

After joining in a social glass of wine, and pledging myself to 
visit Mr. Reynolds on my return with the sixty thousand of coun- 
terfeit bank notes, I left him. 1 communicated the intelligence 
received from Reynolds to Dr. Reuben Knox, and also wrote to 
his brother at Rock Island, informing him of the necessity of my 
proceeding to Springfield, Illinois, to procure official documents. 

Feeling a renewed confidence that I should succeed in capturing 
the three murderers, 1 provided myself with three pair of hand- 
cufl's for the purpose of harnessing the ruffians whenever I might 
come up with them, and on the morning of the 26th, 1 left St. 
liOuis for Springfield, Illinois. 

At Edwardsville twenty miles from St. Louis, 1 met with his 
excellency Governor Ford, of Illinois, on his way from Springfield 
to St. Louis, to whom 1 presented a letter of introduction from 
gentlemen of Rock Island. 

Governor Ford informed me that he had received documents 
from that place by mail, in compliance with which, requisitions 
were prepared and left with Hon. Thomas Campbell, Secretary of 
State, subject to my order, 

I had a long conversation with Governor Ford relative to the 
murder of Col. Davenport, and the various schemes to attack and 
apprehend his murderers. 

His excellency remarked that " I was placing my own life in 
jeopardy in this adventure." 

" I am aware of all the dangers attending such an undertaking, 
but so long as this formidable banditti are permitted to prey upon 
community, no one is safe. I know that my life is in danger, 
out it is for the public as well as myself, that I incur the hazard. 
That man is unworthy the name and privileges of an American 
citizen, who shrinks back from any duty which he is called upon 



88 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

to perform by the voice of the community. Something must be 
done to check the ravages of this gang, and I for one had rather 
lose my Hfe, in striving to protect the innocent and defenceless, 
than be slaughtered in cold blood like some of my neighbors." 

" I assure you, Sir, that 1 sincerely hope your efforts will prove 
successful." 

Reaching Springfield, 1 found that requisitions v^^ere not prepared 
to the governors of all the States, 1 wished, and as there was great 
uncertainty as to where the murderers might be found, 1 obtained 
blank requisitions with Governor Ford's signature, under the seal 
of the State of Illinois, with power to fill the blanks with the name 
of any State in which I might wish to use them. 

1 was uncertain what course to take; but finally started for 
Terrehaut, and Indianapolis, Indiana, 1 reached Tcrrehaut on the 
1st of September; feeling satisfied that I had missed the track, but 
not discouraged, as my former success in extracting information 
from members of the gang led me to feel certain of soon regaining 
the proper line of pursuit. 



OR. THE murderer's DOOM. 83 



CHAPTER X. 

CONTINUED PURSUIT OF THE MURDERERS. 

After much reflection, I at length dctermnied to act upon the 
information received from Granville Young. Thus far, I had 
found his statements correct, and as he had referred me to old 
John Birch, the father of one of the murderers of whom I was in 
pursuit, and who resided at, or in the vicinity of Marshall, the 
county seat of Clark County, Illinois, I at once took passage for 
that place. Reaching it, I immediately disclosed the object of my 
journey to Wm. P. Bennett, Esq., Sheriff of the County, from 
whom I learned that the information I had received from Granville 
Young, relative to the residence and general reputation of John 
Birch, was correct. 

" In this neighborhood,*' said the Sheriff, " Birch is almost uni- 
versally known by the name of the ' Old Coon.' " 

'* Doubtless he deserves the appellation." 

" He does, most certainly 1 Many traps have been set to 
ensnare him, but he has succeeded until this time in outwitting us 
all." 

'' Do you know his son X " 

"Robert Birch? Yes, he is well known here; but dare not 
show himself in the county of Clark." 

"• I am inclined to think that he is concealed somewhere about 
his fathers house." 

"It would be well," said the Sheriff, " to watch the old Coon's 
house secretly. If Robert is hidden there the appearance of a 
stranger might excite suspicion, and defeat his being discovered 
and arrested. The old coon, — the father, is one of the shrewdest, 
most cautious and cunning men in all the Northwest, He is said 
to have been well educated, yet he feigns unusual ignoi'ance, and 
will never sign his name in any business transaction." 



84 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Sheriff Bennett's views were probably very judicious, notwith- 
standing, I determined to call upon the old coon, in his own house, 
believing that I could succeed in passing myself off as one of the 
gang with him, as well as with others. 

The road from Marshall to the habitation of old Birch, a distance 
of nine miles, led through an exceedingly dense forest, and by a 
blind path, to follow which was nearly impracticable to a stranger. 

Sheriff Bennet kindly consented to accompany me a sufficient 
distance on my way to enable me to find the house. We traveled 
on horse back, and the Sheriff left me when we had come within 
half a mile of the house, and proceeded to a dense thicket in 
which he promised me that he would conceal himself and await 
my return. 

Following the direction the Sheriff had given me, for a short 
distance, I emerged from the thick forest and entered a large and 
partially cultivated enclosure, near the centre of which stood a 
miserable log cabin in a very dilapidated condition, almost crumib 
ling to the ground. 

Leaving my horse at the edge of the wood, I approached the 
house cautiously on foot. The door was standing open, and with- 
in it, near the foot of the bed, sat a very old man. His appear- 
ance was wretched and poverty-stricken. An old woman and a 
young girl of sixteen were in the act of adjusting some portions of 
his dress, as I entered the room. Some bustle ensued upon my 
abrupt entrance. They however placed a stool for me to sit upon. 
and brought me some water to drink. I drank from a gou)-d shell, 
having a hole cut in its side; a very common substitute in some 
parts of our country for a dipper. 

After some incidental conversation, the Old Coon, for it was 
Birch himself, upon whom I had intruded, inquired: 

" Do you live in this part of the country ? " 

" No, I do not." 

" Where do you, then ? " 

"■ In no particular place. I spend my time in travling, specula- 
ting, &c. 

'• Do you want to see me 1 " 

*' Why, some of your old acquaintances wished me to call upon 
you, if I ever passed near you, and my business leading me this 
way, I have sought you out."' 



OR, THE MURDERER'S DOOM. 85 

" Who do you mean ? " 

" Granville Young, and Bundy." 

'* How large a man is this Granville Young ! " 

"A small man, with dark hair.'" 

"Are j'ou acquainted with Owen Long ? " 

" Only by description," I replied, "I never saw him; but I know 
the boys." 

" Do you ? what ! Aaron and John." 

" Yes.'" 

"Aaron and John are Owen Long's sons. Owen Long and I 
were raised together in old North Carolina. I have known him 
ever since he was a boy. He's a right smart old man, and has 
got two smart boys." 

" I think so. At least they know enough to take care of them- 
seives." 

" Well they do." 

'' I left my horse at the edge of the woods, let me step out and 
look to hin)." 

Saying this, I winked to the old man who readily followed me 
out, and when we were out of hearing he said: 

" Wo!I, what is it, stranger ? " 

" The boys tell me that you are of the right stripe, and friendly 
to U9, so I suppose I can safely proceed to disclose my business." 

" I never hurts nobody." 

" I felt certain that you were one of us ! I have left the main 
traveled road because I promised the boys I would see you on my 
way down, and give you a little accommodation in my line. Look 
at these blank notes. They are a small sample of my work. I 
have a large amount to fill up and sign. I am now on my way to 
Cincinnati after it, and on my return shaP. wish to dispose of it. 
I suppose you can help me some." 

" Yes, I'll take right smart of it myself. A heap of the boys 
stop with mc, and I know of 'em, what will buy it, if you can sell 
it fair. I can get rid of a power of it." 

" Do you think you could get a lot of horses with such paper as 
this, and have them delivered at Louisville or St. Louis? " 

" Yes and a smart chance of money too." 

*' Have you any confidential friends in this country who under- 
stand this business, and are acquainted with the boys ?" 



86 THE B.ANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" Why, yes, I reckon so. There is one Mr. Arbuckle, al Mar- 
shall, and the Clerk of our Court. They both understand such 
matters, and are first rate nrien. I reckon they would like to trade 
with you." 

"Are you suspected of being connected with the boys ? " 

" Not a bit of it. Any how I reckon not. The clerk is a good 
/riend of mine and always tells me what is going on. They can't 
hurt the old Coon, as long as he is Clerk of the Court. If the 
Sheriff should get a writ against me, the Clerk would let me know 
soon enough to let me get out of the way." 

"Are you acquainted on East of us, so that you can tell me 
where to stop along my way. I have never traveled this way 
before, and don't know the boys." 

" I know most on 'em," said the old coon, with a merry laugh, 
as if some pleasant memory came over his mind. "There is Shack 
Pliips, Hiram Long and Aaron, cousins of John and Aaron Long 
— old Owen Long and their father are brothers. They live in 
Owen County, Indiana, about fifty miles east of here. They arc 
all good boys, but John Long is the smartest of the whole lot. — 
He sticks to his friends and is right good grit. I will tell you what 
John did only last year. Bundy was in jail at Louisville, and 
would have gone to State Prison if no one had helped him. The 
boys were all afraid but John, to go to his assistance. He swore 
that he would not see a friend of his suffer while he could help 
him. After some exertion, he persuaded Granville Youngr to go 
with him to Louisville. Upon Bundy's trial they two swore him 
off clear, and he was acquitted. If John had been timid, like the 
clher boys, Bundy would now be in jug." 

" I woui 1 like two or three boys like John for partners in busi- 
ness. I don't know where John is now; I have not seen him in 
several months; probably he is up in Missouri." 

" 1 have not seen him since last year." 

" N?'" heard from him, I suppose.'" 

" No. Are you .uuch acquainted in Missouri 1 " 

" Yes, quite well along the river." 

" Do you know a man by the name of Robert Birch? Robert 
H. Birch? he is my son; Robert is a smart fellow; do you know 
him?" 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 87 

"I have heard the boys mention his name but have never 
seen him." 

" He is a smart fehow, my son Robert is, you would hke to know 
him, and travel with him." 

" Well I would." 

'■^ Helms traveled eight years. Has got heaps of money. He 
neA-er gets caught. He has not been at home in eight years. He 
wrote to me from St. Louis a few months ago, that he would be 
here before this time, but he h-as not come, I reckon he is making 
money. He and my son John left our home in old Carolina to- 
gether. John, poor fellow ! they hung him in Texas. They just 
strung him up by the neck, without judge or jury, hung him like 
a dog; but they don't catch Robert." 

By this time we had returned to the house, where we found the 
old man's son Tim Birch, who had just returned from the forest 
with his rifle. He was the youngest son of the old coon, and as 
his father proudly remarked to me, looked very much like Robert. 
Old Birch described the appearance of his favorite son at length, 
dwelling minutely upon his qualities and peculiarities. He was 
evidently very proud of that son of his, Robert. He very ear- 
nestly desired me to sieze the first opportunity 1 might have to 
cultivate Robert's acquaintance, and associate myself with him. 

I need not say that 1 very readily promised to become as inti- 
mate with him as possible. 

The old woman and her daughter being informed that I was one 
of the boys, became very talkative. They were at least equal 
in wickedness, to any of the members of the gang of the other 
sex, and appeared much worse, for, as woman in her purity seems 
surpassingly lovely, so in her degradation she seems more than de- 
based. 

The old woman indulged in the most bitter denunciations against 
a certain neighbor of the Birch's, by the name of Miller. She 
swore some terrible vengeance against him. She would shoot 
him: chop him into mince-meat, &c.: and all because Miller, as 
she said, had tried to have her Tim prosecuted just for stealing a 
miserable little colt, not worth thirty dollars: and she seemed also 
to believe that Miller was in some way instrumental in having John 
hunff in Texas. 



88 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES; 

I was earnestly solicited by the family to remain a few days to 
recruit mvself and horse. I was, however, satisfied that Robert 
Birch was not concealed in the vicinity of his father's residence, 
and that there was no prospect of my discovering any track of the 
murderers fi'om the old coon. 

Giving my name to them as Tom Brown, and promising to call 
on my return from Cincinnati, and spend more time with them, I 
left, having evidently satisfied the family that 1 was one of the 
boys, and a worthy associate of their son Robert. 

I searched the thicket for my friend Sherift' Bennett, but he 
evidently supposing that I would remain with the Birchs all night, 
had returned home, leaving me to make the best of my way to 
Marshall, unassisted and alone. 

Confiding, however, in my trusty horse, 1 was carried safely 
through the dense forest, and reached Marshall about midnight. 

The following morning, I disclosed as far as prudence dictated, 
the facts drawn out in my conversation with old Birch. I also 
mentioned the character which the old coon gave of his neighbor 
Arbuckle, and of the Clerk of the Court. 

Sherifl' Bennet remarked that several criminal prosecutions had 
been brought in the County within the last three years, but from 
some cause heretofore unknown, the authorities had not been able 
to procure a conviction, but had never suspected anything wrong 
with the ofiicers of the court. 

The Sheriff" promised to watch close the movements of old 
Birch and family, and to advise mc of any appearance of the sus- 
pected individuals, and also keep an eye on Arbuckle and the Clerk 
of the Court. 

1 then left Marshall, and returned to Terrehaut, in which place 
I met with Mr. Hickox, Deputy Sherifl" of Vigo County, Indiana. 
This gentleman informed me that a man calling his name Fox, had 
recently been arrested and committed to jail at Bowling Green, 
in Clay County, Indiana, on charge of horse stealing. From his 
description of the man, 1 had no doubt that he was the same Fox, 
suspected of participation in the murder of Col. Davenport. 1 ai 
once procured a conveyance, and accompanied by Mr. Hickox, lefi 
Terrehaut for Bowling Green. The distance was only twenty-five 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 89 

miles, but as the roads proved to be extremely bad, we did not 
reach Bowhng Green until the next morning. 

On our arrival we learned that Fox had been arrested on suspi- 
cion of horse stealing, Shack Phips was also under arrest on a 
similar charge. Four horses had been taken from them, and de- 
tained as stolen. 1 he owner of one of the horses had appeared, 
and proved his property. Fox was examined before a magistrate, 
and held to bail in the sum of $800, in default of which he was 
committed to jail. Shack Phips was also held to bail in the sum 
of $400. His father entering bail for the amount, Shack was re 
leased. Fox remained in custody two weeks, when his father 
came and entered bail in the sum required, upon which he was also 
released. The three horses were retained in the custody of the 
officer, although there was no evidence of their being stolen. 

When Fox was released on bail, he held a brief private conver- 
sation with his father in the street, and then left the village. His 
lather settled his bill at the tavern, and returned to his residence, 
sixty- five miles east of Indianopolis, in Wayne county, Indiana. 

As Fox had left town before his father, and in a different direc- 
tion, all present track of him was fully obliterated. 

I could discover nothing at Bowling Green of the whereabouts 
nf John Long, or Birch, except that old Owen Long, formerly 
lived in Owen County, adjoining Clay. Some four years before, 
Owen Long with his two sons, John and Aaron were arrested on 
charge of breaking open and robbing a store. After a strict search, 
the goods were found under the floor of the old man's house. 
The three Longs were committed for trial, but broke jail and left 
the country, since which occurrence, nothing had been heard of 
any of them. 

One of these horses taken from Fox, and detained, 1 readilv 
recognized from description, as the race mare stolen in Missouri, 
and described to me by Reynolds at St. Louis. 

All track of the murderers had now disappeared. There was 
none of Long and Birch since they left St. Louis, and none of Fox 
since he left his father in the streets of Bowling Green, eirrht davs 
ago. I felt quite confident, however, that Birch and Long were in 
the neighborhood at the time Fox was arrested, but had fled pre- 
cipitately. 

7 



90 THE BANDITTI OF THE PAIRIERSt 

Being unable to determine from my own reflection what course 
to pursue, I determined to take counsel with some of the promi- 
nent citizens of the place — with Messrs, Merryman, Elkin, Rose, 
Madcsitt, (Clerk of the Circuit Court,) and the two Messrs. Os- 
borne, to whom I disclosed the object of my mission, Thev all 
readily pledged themselves to render me any and every assistance 
in their power, 

I learned from these gentlemen that Shack Phips, who was ar- 
rested with Fox, lived in Owen County, but a few miles distant 
in a sparsely settled country, Nearly all the settlers were con- 
nected in ditferent ways with the banditti. Phips had married a 
daughter of widow Long, sister-in-law of old Owen Long, and 
mother of Aaron and Hiram; all whose names I had taken from 
Granville Young or old Birch. Phips lived in the house with old 
widow Long and her boys, and Fox had been arrested there. 

Upon receiving this intelligence, I resolved to visit the settle- 
ment, and by stratagem get track of the murderers. When I pro- 
nosed this, I was told that such efibrts had already been made 
without success. That such an attempt would be dangerous in 
the extreme, and if the plot should be discovered by the gang, my 
death would be certain. 

However, as no other plan suggested itself to my mind, by 
which the desired information could be obtained, I determined to 
make the attempt regardless of consequences. 

In the meantime, I suggested that it would be well that the sto- 
len horses taken from Fox, should be placed in my charge tempo- 
rarily, as I might find them of assistance in my plans. 

Addressing a letter to Mr. Knox, informing him of my pres- 
ent position, my doubts, and hopes, Sic, I provided myself with a 
horse, and i)ortmanteau well filled with articles of clothing, to give 
the impression that I was upon a long journey, and getting the 
necessary directions, I left Bowling Green for the Den of Tiiieves 
in Owen County 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 91 



CHAPTER XI. 



SHACK PHirS. 



My way towards the residence of Phips, was exceedingly 
devious, but after making the different angles until I was satisfied 
from the distance and description given to me, that 1 was in the 
neighborhood of old mother Long, as she was called, 1 ventured 
to inquire for Shack Phips, and was told that I was within one 
mile of his habitation. 

" He lives," said my informant, " somewhat off from the road; 
he is not at home; you won't see him." 

" If his wife is at home, it will answer my purpose just as well," 
I replied, asking for the direction. 

" She lives at old mother Long's. You go on until you get to a 
small bridge crossing a ravine. Then turn into the woods at your 
right. You will find a by-path which, if you can follow will lead 
you in sight of the house." 

" Thank you, stranger." 

" Are you acquainted with the Phips ? " 

** A friend of theirs,'* I replied. 

Following the direction of my informant through a forest, thick 
with tangled under-brush, and nearly impenetrable, I presently 
emerged from a dense thicket, and found myself but a few rods 
distant from a miserable log cabin, about fourteen feet square, with 
an open porch, or stoop; the whole covered with rough clapboards, 
laid on loose, and confined with small logs placed at equal dis- 
tances apart on the roof. 

I dismounted at the edge of the forest, hitched my horse, and 
walked to the house, where I found *' old mother Long." a meagre 
specimen of humanity, poorly clad, and besmeared with dirt, and 
the wife of »Shack Phips, a female of about twenty years of age 



1)2 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

of rather delicate features, but whose whole appearance was very 
little, if any, superior to that of the old mother of the house. 

The furniture consisted of crippled chairs, half a dozen three- 
legged stools, two miserable beds; the beadsteads of which were 
made of rough poles, with the bark still on; an old rickety cup- 
board — a table made of a slab of timber, roughly hewn; a couple 
of iron kettles, half a dozen broken plates, as many knives and 
forks without handles, and a few tin cups. 

Seating myself on a stool, I inquired for Mr. Phips, and was told 
that he was not at home. 

" Is he expected soon 1 I would like to see him." 

After watching me very sharply for a moment, as if to read the 
object of my mission, Mrs. Phips inquired: 

" Does Phips owe you anything "? " 

•' No," I replied. 

" Do you live about here ? " 

*• No; I live more than two hundred miles distant." 

"Are you acquainted with Phips ? "' 

"No, I have never seen /«>«, but I am well acquainted wi.h 
some of his friends, and as I am passing through the country so near 
iiim, I thought I would call and see him." 

'"■ Do you know Judge Fox ? " asked the old woman. 

" Yes, very well, he is an intimate friend of mine."' 

" Is he 1 why Fox was here only a few days ago.'' 

" Was he 1 indeed I regret that 1 did not meet him, I have been 
looking for him for a month." 

" Do you want to see Shack right bad V asked his v;ife. 

" Yes, I do." 

•' Well. I reckon I can holler him up." 

Thus speaking, the iady left the house, and climbing up the gate 
post, commenced a "yo ho a ! " at the top of her voice. 

Shortly an answering shout was heard, and Phips emerged from 
the woods and entered the house. 

He seemed somewhat startl'.'d and displeased at the sight of me, 
but after a few words of assurance from the old woman and liis 
wife, that I was one of the boys, his good nature in a measure 
returned, although his speech was rather in the way of complaint 




BONNEY AT JifOTHER LONG'S.— page 93 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 93 

of the illtreatmentof the public towards hun, and I judged that he 
was by no means as well satisfied that I was one of the right stripe, 
as his family were. 

'• I am," he said, " an honest, hard working man, and was never 
guilty of a dishonest act in my life. I am poor, it is true, but I have 
always tried to get an honorable living. The people about Bowl- 
ing Green, are trying to ruin me. A man came here a few days 
ago and sold me a horse. Soon after an owner came for the horse, 
and said it was stolen. I knew nothing about it. I paid the full 
value of the horse, but, because he was found in my possession, 
ihey took me up to Bowling Green, and put me in jail. All the 
folks at Bowling Green, are dead set against me, and I reckon 1 
shall lose all I paid for the horse, as I don't know the man I bought 
him of." 

Dark clouds appearing in the west, accompanied by loud thunder, 
gave me notice of an approaching storm. I started to put my 
horse under a shed which stood a short distance from the house, 
requesting Phips, in a careless tone of voice, to attend me. 

Being desirous to bring my business to an issue, as soon as possi- 
ble, I embraced the opportunity to introduce a few remarks that 
would enlist his confidence. 

When a few rods from the house, I accosted him in a most fami- 
liar manner, and at the same time with a somewhat determined 
air. 

'' Phips !" said I, " it is all confounded nonsense to talk this kind 
of stuff to me. It is well enough to tell it to the folks about here. 
but I understand such matters, and will tell you my business at 
once. I came here to see if these horses which were taken from 
Fox, can be got and carried away from Bowling Green. Fox and 
I are old friends, I am traveling across the country from St. Louis 
to Cincinnati, and when I arrived at Terrehaut I heard that Fox 
had got into a bad scrape at Bowling Green, and I came up to sec 
about it. I find that Fox has given bail and left, but they retain 
the horses. Now, if we can get the horses away before the 
owners call for them, there will not be sufficient evidence to con- 
vict Fox. He can then, you see, come back, stand his trial, anc 
save eight hundred dollars, the amount of his bonds. But if the 



94 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 

horses are suffered to remain where they are until the owners come 
for them, Fox must sacrifice the amount of his bail, as you are 
aware that he cannot come and stand his trial with such evidence 
against him. It would send him to the Penitentiary at once, but 
if you will stand by me, and lend me a helping hand, I think we 
can get them away. 

" How can w^e do it ? " asked Phips, with a mingled expression 
of fear and satisfaction. 

" Easy enough ! " I replied. "You must get some one to go 
and swear the horses are my property; and I will claim and take 
them away. I am a stranger to every body there, and no one will 
suspect but what I am the real owner, and when the true owners 
come all they can say is, that some rascal has got their horses and 
run with them, but as they can't swear to the horses, unless they 
first find them, of course they cannot convict Fox, and I have no 
fear of their catching me or the horses, if I can get fifteen miles 
the start of them," 

"All this is true, and I can get people to swear that the horses are 
yours. Still I am fearful they will not give them up.^' 

"Why not?" 

" Oh, 1 don't know, I was only expressing my fears." 

" They must give them up. That is the only process I know of 
to recover stolen property." 

" Will they not require you to enter into bonds to appear at- 
WMtness against Fox at the next court ? " 

"I think not. You know I can promise to come, and not go."" 

" Yes, that is easy enough." 

" Well, who will you get to swear that the horses are mine 1 " 

" There are plenty of people in this neighborhood who will swear 
to anything." 

" But it must be a person unknown to the authorities." 

" True, it would not do to take any of my fi'iends around here, 
but I can get lots of them down in Spice Valley." 

" Where's that ? " 

" Eighty miles from here." 

"That will consume too much time. I don't know how to Im; 
detained so long. I am in a great hurry to get through to Cincin- 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 95 

nati, my speculation there ought to have been attended to before 
this time. However, I would not hesitate if I can do anything for 
Fox, at the risk of a day or two's delay." 

'' You are a true friend of his, no mistake." 

" If we succeed in getting the horses away, we must leave the 
race mare where Fox can get her again." 

" I am told that Fox would not take a thousand dollars for her 
She is said to be the fastest quarter nag in the United States. Bj' 
the way, do you know where Fox is now, so that we can send him 
word where to find the mare, if we succeed in getting her 1 '' 

" I don't know where he is now." 

" The other horses are nothing extra. I will let some of the 
boys take them up north and sell them." 

" I know Fox would like to get hold of the mare again, but at 
any rate, he wants the horses to be out of the way, so that they 
cannot be in evidence against him," 

'' What way did he suggest ] I suppose one somewhat similar to 
my own ]" 

" No, he wanted me to go and burn the tavern barn, in which 
the horses are kept, the horses and all together; which would be 
getting them out of the way pretty effectually." 

"Did you attempt itt" 

•' No, the people at Bowling Green keep such close watch that 
I dare not try it. If I was not certain that I should be the first one 
suspected, I would get some of the boys to do it, but I am afraid 
they would lynch me. A good many of them had as lief hang me 
up to a tree without trial as any other way." 

" 1 think my plan much the best, and that would put an end to it, 
without their supposing you have anything to do wdth it." 

"I think so too. I am d — d glad that you called on us. Nearly 
all the boys around here are afraid to do any thing, if one of us 
happen to get into a scrape. If we only had a few such fellows 
as you are, who would stick to us, and help us out of trouble when 
we get caught, they would soon get sick of troubling us. I wish 
you had time to go down to Bloomington and see Esq. , (men- 
tioning a name which I have forgotten.) He is a good lawyer, 
and a very able man. He always helps us when we get into trou- 
ble. He will ride day and night, and work every way in his power 



96 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

to get us clear, and then he never charges uspiigb prices, and is vvill- 
nig to take his pay in horses, or any kind of property we happen 
to have." 

'■He is a valuable member of community." 

" Yes, one of the finest fellows in the world." 

'• I cannot afford to be detained a sufficient length of time to see 
him. We can get along without a lawyer just as well, if you can 
find some one who is not known at Bowling Green, to go before 
the authorities, and swear that the horses are mine. Besides every 
day's delay is dangerous. The owners may come for their horses. 
What is done must be done in a hurry." 

" There is Tim Birch, living about fifty miles from here, we can 
get him." 

*' I have seen Tim. He is too young. If he is questioned closely 
he may cross himself." 

" He is a shrewd little devil — a chip off the o!d block. But there 
is his father, old John Birch. They can't cross him. He will 
swear to anything you tell him. The old Coon they call him." 

''Yes, I would be willing to risk the old man, but fifty miles is a 
long way to go and return. Here, continued I, (shewing him my 
sheets of bank notes.) You see why I am in so much of a hurry. 
This is all ready to date and sign, and I ought to be in Cincinnati 
with it now." 

" It is a splendid article," said Shack examining it. "How much 
can you get like it?" 

"About sixty thousand dollars." 

" You are doing a big business." 

*' Yes, I am always doing something, and I would not be idling 
my time away now, if it were not to get Fox out of trouble." 

•' You are doinjr the fair thinfr bv him, no mistake about that ! " 

" How did Fox get caught'? I thought he was smart enough to 
take better care of himself." 

"Fox, John Long, and Bob Birch came here, together with four 
horses, and staid a few days; I bought one of their horses. Hiram 
Long was negociating a purchase of the other two, and P^ox intended 
to take the race mare with him. John did not like to be seen about 
here on account of some old criminal charges against him in this 
county; so he and Birch left in the afternoon, and Fox intended to 
leave the next mornincr. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 9? 

" That same night, a posse came from BowHng Green, arrested 
Fox and me, and took all the horses. The boys stole them in the 
western part of Illinois, and thought they were out of all danger 
with them here. The man who owned the horse which 1 had 
bought, got on their track, and had followed them as far as Bowling 
Green. Fox and I had been in Bowling Green with the horses, 
and mine was recognised at once by the man's description. That 
very night they came down and took us. If they had waited 
another day. Fox would have been off'." 

"I suppose you are well acquainted with the boys?" 

" Yes, with Fox and John, but never saw Birch until he came 
here with them." 

'• What do you think of Birch ? " 

' He is a smart fellow, but rather too much of a fop to suit me. 
He had a fine gold watch and chain, and liked to show it often, and 
play with the chain. 

" Fox is a man of the best judgment and intellect of all the boys. 
l( John and Birch had followed his instructions they would not 
have been tracked. He told them to keep oft' from the main 
traveled roads with the horses, until they crossed the Wabash 
River, but after traveling about fifty miles from where they stole 
the horses, they took the highways; consequently there was no 
difficulty in tracking them. John Long is a bold daring fellow, but 
he lacks prudence." 

" Well, I hope Fox will get his race mare again. Cannot you 
imagine where he is now 1 " 

" I have no idea myself ; but Hiram Long knows 1 reckon.' 

'' Where is Hiram ? " 

" He is secreted in the woods now. The officers at Bowling 
Green are on the look out to arrest him. He has not slept in a 
house for two weeks past." 

" Can you see Hiram, and learn from him to what place we shall 
send word to Fox, when we have secured the mare '? " 

" Yes, I can see him to-morrow morning: 1 go and carry his 
food to him each morning; but don't know where to find him dur- 
ing the ^day, as he does not stay in the same place two days at a 
time, for fear of being discovered. If you M'ill stay with me until 
to-morrow, I will see Hiram, and learn from him where Fox is. 



98 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES : 

Then we can arrange the matter, and agree upon a place for you to 
leave the mare, so that Fox can get her." 

'' I think *.hat is the best we can do. I will remain with you till 
morning." 

We returned to Phips' house. Mrs. Phips and old mother Long 
became quite sociable. I was somewhat amused with the curiosity 
they showed to inspect my accoutrements. My walking-cane 
attracted the attention of the old woman. Near the lower end of 
this cane was a short spear or spike, concealed by being screwed 
into an iron socket, which formed a ferule, and which could be 
removed at pleasure, thereby forming a most deadly weapon. 
A^ear the head of the cane was a joint, and a dirk of about twelve 
inches in length, attached to it: the body of the cane forming a 
scabbard, from which the dirk was detatched by means of a spring. 
While the venerable old woman was examining the spear, I slyly 
touched the spring of the derk: the old woman startled and 
affirighted fell back, and throwing up both hands in her amazement, 
broke forth into a series of oaths, which, for variety and blas- 
phemy, exceeded anything I had ever heard before from the lips 
of woman. 

*' ! that will give them and ! that is the 

thing to use them up with. If Fox had had that they would not 
have arrested him so easily as they did." 

I do not think there was a more filthy family, or a more filthy 
residence, in the north-western Territory, than that of Shack Phips, 
at the time of my acquaintance with him. The reader has doubt- 
less seen various accounts of life in the west, but, perhaps, has 
never read of exactly such a supper as I had that night. 

As the supper hour approached, Mrs. Phips addressed her spouse, 
remarking: 

" I say, Shack ! you ! If you don't get more salt to put 

on this venison it will all rot. I have cut it all in strips, and laid it up 
on those poles, but it doesn't do one bit of good. I vow it smells 
as bad as it did a week ago. I can't hardly cook it any more; it 
has got so soft and slippery.'' 

" I think it tastes as well as it did ten days ago. I can eat it 
well enough without any more salt. So just hurry some on it up, 
will you ] " 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 09 

" Shack ! you ! you have forgotten to go to your father's 

and get some meal. We have not a smitch of corn meal or dodger 
in the house." 

" Haven't you enough to raise a supper on Mary 1 " 

" No, I tell you. Now hurry, Shack ! go and fetch some meal." 

" What shall I get it in, Mary 1 " 

" Why, take the slip from the pillov^- on mother's bed — now be 
quick, and get enough for supper and breakfast." 

Without further ceremony Shack stripped the dingy pillow from 
the bed, and started post haste for the corn meal, while Mrs. Phips 
commenced preparations for our supper. A scanty supply of the 
ancient venison was placed in a broken iron vessel, and placed over 
the fire. As it became warm the powerful odor which filled the 
room did not convey a remarkably pleasant piece of intelligence 
from the sense of smelling to that of the taste. 

I very readily coincided, in opinion with Phips, that a week or 
ten days could have made no very material change in the venison, 
although the weather had been exceedingly warm. In the mean- 
time the old woman scorched some coffee, on the broken cover of 
an old Dutch oven, or baking kettle; then tied it in a rag, and 
pounded it on the hearth stone. 

Shack soon returned with the corn meal, when his wife proceeded 
to mix some of it in an antique family bowl, adding a little salt and 
water sufficient to make it about the consistency of brick mor- 
tar. Then, with her not over-clean hands, she moulded it into small 
balls, which, when baked, were called '"Dodgers."' 

Perhaps our lady readers will feel indebted to us for the above 
receipt, as it probably cannot be found in Miss Leslie's receipt- 
book. 

After removing the cooked venison from the broken iron vessel, 
the corn dough balls were placed in it, the article in which the 
coffee was scorched laid over it, and they were set baking. 

" These," thought I, "are dodgers, and no mistake, and speaking 
of dodging makes me think that I would like to dodge this supper, 
but I see no hopes of it." 

Supper being ready, the three-legged stools were placed az'ound 
the slab table, and I was invited to partake with them. The repast 



100 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 

consisted, as the reader is aware, of the rotten venison, corn dodgers, 
and coffee, served in cups, without sugar or cream. 

The worst part of my present condition was, that I had fasted 
from early breakfast hour until the dusk of evening, and had really 
a fine appetite. It was absolutely necessary that 1 should take 
something to support nature. How far the supper relished I leave 
others to judge, but assure the reader, that as a choice I supped 
from the " dodgers,"' and did not disturb the venisoB. 

Soon after supper three men entered the house with an air of 
familiarity, which showed me that they were members of the gang. 

Phips introduced them as his cousins. They appeared perfectly 
well acquainted with the operations of the banditti, and spoke freely 
of different plans to save Fox, and recover the horses. I was not 
well pleased with their visit, fearing that in meeting so many differ- 
ent persons, some one might suspect my real object among them. 

Concealing my fears, however, I spoke and acted in a manner 
calculated to impress them with a belief that I was to all iatents 
what I professed to be — one of the right stripe. 

If suspected by them, I was well aware that 1 was not in a situ- 
ation to stand the test of examination, having in my portmanteau, 
and about my person, official papers from the authorities of Rock 
Island County, for the arrest of Fox, John Long, and Birch; requ- 
sitions from the Governors of several States; three pairs of hand- 
cuffs, &c., &c. 

1 was, however, well armed with a pair of rifle pistols; a revolv- 
ing six-shooter; bow^ie knife, and a dirk cane, and of course il 
attacked could make a vigorous defence. 

However, every thing passed on smoothly. At bed time I was 
shown to a resting place in one corner of the room, and one of the 
three men pointed out to lodge with me, while the other two, with 
Phips, occupied a bed on the floor, made up with a few old quilts, 
and the two women occupied the other bed. 

There being no light in the room, except the flickering blaze from 
a few dying embers on the hearth, I had no ditficulty in arranging 
every thing to my mind. I placed my portmanteau under the side 
of my bed; covered il with my coat and vest; placed my pistols 
and bowic knife where I could lay my hand uj)on them, and put my 



OR, THK MURDERER S DOOM. 101 

cane in the foresicic of my bed. Then, without divesting myself 
of my clothing, but my coat and vest, I retired to bed for the 
night. Theman^ with whom I was to lodge, had placed himself in 
the back side of the bed, and all was now quiet. 

I did not dare to go to sleep, for if suspected, I should certainly 
be attacked before morning. 

The threatening clouds, which had hung around the west, at 
length had developed into a fearful storm, spreading themselves in 
black array over the whole horizon. The vivid lightning streamed 
forth in one continued blaze, succeeded by incessant crashes of 
terrific thunder, and the rain fell in torrents. 

The grim features of the ruffians, visible by the vivid lightning 
streaming through the crevices in the walls of the shattered fabric, 
served to complete a picture of fearful interest to me. 

The thoughts and reflections which crowded through my mind, 
as I lay amid those ruffians, seem to have made a singular and inef- 
faceable impression. Years have passed since then, but still as 
vividly as if of yesterday, do I recall the scenes of that long, dismal 
and sleepless night. 



102 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 



CHAPTER XII. 

Dav dawned at length; a bright and glorious morning raising 
over the darkness and storm of the dreary night. 

The three men got up and left the house, and 1 saw no more of 
them. 

The family soon after arose, and prepared a breakfast which 1 
need not describe as it was but a continuation of last night's sup- 
per. 

About eight o'clock in the morning, while we were all sitting in 
the open porch before the cabin, a shrill whistle arose from the 
neighboring forest, like the long and quaviring cry of a wild 
turkey. 

" There Shack, you, you can start," said his gentle anc 

affectionate wife. 

"■ What is that ? " I inquired. 

" Hiram Long whistling for his grub," said Phips, starting for 
the woods with a readiness which proved his sympathy for Hiram's, 
appetite. 

After about an hours absence, Phips returned. 

He said he had told Hiram of my plans for recovering Fox's 
norscs, and that he would be glad to see me, but dared not come 
to the house, and wished me to meet him in the woods. 

" Go up past the stable yonder," said he, " to the corner of the 
fence, turn to the left into the woods, and whistle, and Hiram will 
answer you." 

Taking my portmanteau on my arm, I followed the direction of 
Phips to the place designated, where I gave a clear, shrill whistle, 
which was answered from a dense thicket a few rods distant froni 
me. I entered the thicket and found Hiram Long seated upon a 
log. 

He was a small, well formed, and remarkably good booking 



OR, THE MUHDERER's DOOM. 103 

young man of twenty-two or three years of age. His complexion 
was fair as that of a wnman; his forehead prominent and high, 
while his full clear darK hazel eyes, and dark auburn hair made up 
one of the finest countenances I have ever seen. 

From his manner of living, constantly in fear of pursuit and ar- 
rest for criminal offences, he had caught a sort of suspicious 
watchfulness, and was startled by every noise; his quick eye dart- 
ing in every direction, seemed to catch every motion, and his prac- 
ticed ear took in the slightest crackling of brush, or rustling of 
leaves. 

After asking several questions which I answered to his satisfac- 
tion, we entered upon the important subject of getting the horses 
from Bowling Green. My plans as described to him by Phips ap- 
peared to meet his approbation. 

''The Judge says he does not care for any of them but the race 
mare. If she can be secured so that he can get her, he will pay 
well for your trouble and delay.'" 

•* I know he will. If I can succeed in getting the horses as pro- 
posed, I will leave the mare about twenty miles above Terrehaut, 
near the Wabash river, where she can be secreted. Then I can 
send word to Fox where he will find her, and hasten on to Cincin- 
nati, where 1 must be as soon as possible." 

" But," said Hiram, " if you are going to Cincinnati, it will not 
be much out of your way to go and see Fox."' 

" I do not know where he is now." 

'' He has gone to his father's in the eastern part of this state, 
and I think will remain at home until you can get there and see 
him.'* 

It was with difficulty that I repressed a strong exclamation of 
pK^asure at being told of the present lurking place of Fox, but en- 
deavoring to conceal my satisfaction, 1 proceeded to remark upon 
the subject of the horses, 

*' It will require so much time to carry out our plans about the 
horses, that probably I shall not see Fox. If I succeed in getting 
them, you had better write to Fox, that he will find the mare, 
where I will leave her, with a friend near the Wabash River."' 

" I will do so." 

"And now about the witness to swear that the horses belong tc 
me." 8 



104 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES : 

** You had better remain here, and send Phips after John Birch, 
the old Coon: he will be the best witness I know of." 

" That will consume a good deal of time. Let me suggest apian 
I believe they are getting a little sick of keeping the horses. Per- 
haps if I go and claim them as my property, I can get them with- 
out further trouble." 

'• 1 reckon not." 

" I can try any way, and if they refuse to let the horses go, 
then we will send for old Birch." 

Hiram readily assented to the proposition, and I therfore, in or- 
der that I might fully impress the sincerity of my designs upon 
the minds of Hiram Long and Phips, and prevent all suspicion of 
me, requested that they would send a spy to Bov^ding Green, that 
they might know if 1 should succeed in getting the horses, and if 1 
did not 1 would then return to them. 

Having got track of Fox, the only object of my visit, 1 was of 
course anxious to get away. Therefore promising Long to call 
upon him, on my return, and to furnish him with a (juantity o(^ 
'^Rag C'taTency,'^ we separated. 

I also made the same promise to Phips, who told me he knew a 
great many who would like some of it. 

" The Sheriff of Owen County," said he, " is one of our friends, 
and a man of the 7-ight stripe. He always lets the boys know if 
there is anything on foot against them. If he had known when 
the posse came from Bowling Green to arrest Fox and me, he 
would have given us timely notice." 

After bidding farewell to Shack's interesting family, and recci\- 
ing their best wishes for my success in securing the horses, I start- 
eo for bowling Green, vvhich place I reached before nightfall. 

At Bowling Green, I met with two men from Bel villa, Illinoi?, 
in search of two of the horses. At my request, they promised to 
keep their business secret for a short time, I explaining to them 
my object in making the request, as far as was necessary to gain 
tlicir consent, and 1 then sot together the frentlemen with whom 
1 nad previously consulted. I informed them of my success, tell- 
ing them that I had now only to take the horses away from Bow- 
ling Green to accomplish my plans, and give me a clear track of 
Fox. As the owner of the two horsos had just arrived with a 







BONNEY AND HIRAM LONG.— page 103. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 105 

wit.iess to prove his property, I proposed that I should assume the 
character of the owner of the horses, pay the charges for keep- 
ing them, take them out of the town, and then deHver them to the 
owner, who could proceed with them on his journey home. I 
would then take the race mare to Terrehaut, and leave her with 
Mr. Hickox, Deputy Sheriff, to await the order of the owner. 

To all which the owner of the horses and all parties concerned 
readily assented. 

One thing only remained to make the chain of action, thus far, 
perfect. 

When Fox was arrested at BowUng Green, he employed a law- 
yer of that town by the name of Williamson, who was represent- 
ed to me as a shrewd, cunning man, and a fine lawyer. Fearing 
that WilHamson might have noticed our movements sufficiently to 
suspect that some trap was being laid for his client. Fox, and ac- 
(;ordingly give him notice of the state of things in time to enable 
iiim to escape; and I expressed a wish to see and converse with 
him before leaving the village. 

The gentlemen with whom I was counselling opposed this, sta- 
ting that Williamson was so remarkably keen, that they feared he 
would discover the plot. 

1 determined however to conduct the whole affair upon my 
own judgment, and despatched a messenger to Mr. Williamson, 
requesting him to call at the hotel as soon as his business would 
permit. 

He soon after entered the bar-room where 1 was seated, and in 
a hurried manner remarked: 

"My name is Williamson; who is it that wishes to see me!" 

"1 am the person, sir," I replied, ''have you a private room? '' 

'* Yes, step up stairs." 

When we were seated, 1 said: " 1 am informed, sir, that you are 
the attorney who defended my friend Fox, when he was arrested 
on charge of stealing these horses." 

" I am, sir." 

"Do you still consider yourself his lawyer?" 

" Yes." 

" Can I talk to you confidentially upon his business, and will you 
not betray me ! " 



106 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" You can speak withoat fear or restraint upon any matter con 
nected with Fox; but stop a moment." 

Leaving his seat, the attorney subjected the neighboring rooms 
and closets to a close scrutiny ; and then shutting the doors retur- 
ned to his chair. 

Seating myself at his side. 1 clapped my hand upon his knee, 
and looking him full in the face, continued: 

"Mr. Williamson, I will disclose my business at once. I am a 
friend of Fox; while passing through the country near this point, 
I heard of his arrest, and the detention of these horses. I have 
come here for the purpose oi" getting them away. I have suc- 
ceeded in the attempt to prove the horses to be my property; have 
got them into my possession, and am now about to leave town 
with them. Consequently you can inform Fox that he can come 
back, attend the court, and save his bail. I have got everything 
arranged, and shall be off in a few minutes with all the horses." 

"By ! That's a good one ! I am j,rlad you have succeeded 

in getting them. Be careful you are not suspected before you get 
away. .1 would not have the plot found out for five hundred dol- 
lars.'" 

" There is no danger now. I have accomplished the most diffi- 
cult part of the task. The people here think it is all right, and do 
not suspect my design. I have nothing to fear unless you betray 
me, and I am not much afraid of that." 

" No, you need have no fears of me ! It's the best trick I ever 

knew, by ! I'ts d d well done ! I will tell you what I did 

before Fox left here. 1 wrote to Tom Reynolds at St. Louis. Do 
you know him ? " 

"Yes, very well." 

" Well. I v.'rote to Reynolds to send Myers, who you know is a 
noted horse jockey at St. Louis, down here to claim the horses, 
and get them away, if ho should have to cut their throats the first 
night." 

" Well, when Myers arrive;, von can tell him that Jack Brown 
has saved him the trouble of getting the horses. 1 will leave the 
Toro mare in sate hands where Fox can s:e\ her. and then hasten 
on to Cincinnati, where 1 should be now." 



OH, THE MURDER 1::r's DOOM. 107 

" Fox is in Wayne County Indiana, at his father'?, not far from 
Centreville. You had better stop and see him, on your way," 

"By the time I reach there, he may be oft' on some specula- 
tion," 

"No; Fox will remain there until he hears from me what has 
been done with the horses," 

" Well, I will call upon him, if it is not too far out of my way, 
but for fear I should not, you had better write, and let him know 
ib.e particulars, and that he has nothing more to fear as far as the 
norses are concerned," 

"1 will write to him by next mail." 

"After we leave the room, perhaps you had better not speak to 
me, as you are known to have been the attorney of Fox, and there 
might bo some who would think it was not all right." 

" But they must know of our retiring together, and holding a 
private conversation." 

"True; we will say that my business with you was to enquire 
if I was bound to pay ihe expense of keeping the horses since they 
were taken from Fox," 

" That will do, they shan't learn anything from me," 

We then left the room and separated, I passed down the hall 
scctirs, and Williamson out of the back way, that we might not be 
noticed together. 

The news that the owner of the horses taken from Fox had ar- 
rived, claimed, and proved his property, had now become quite 
general, and a large number of citizens had collected together to 
witness the departure of the horses. 

Every body appeared satisfied. The spy sent by Phips, elated 
at my success in getting the horses without the trouble of sending 
for old Birch, hastened back to tell the news, Williamson was 
gratified with the fortunate issue of the trick to save his client from 
the punishment his crimes so justly merited; an-d the public rejoiced 
that the rightful owner had succeeded in recovering his stolen pio- 
perty, while only the few to whom 1 had clisciosed my real busi- 
ness underslooa the tarce. 

Williamson appioachtd me with a siy leer upon his asrtue vis- 
age, and exclaimed: 



108 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" These rogues have put you to a great deal of trouble and ex- 
pense." 

"Very true, sir, but I am glad to get my horses any way." 

I rode off, accompanied by the owner of the two horses, in the 
presence of a large number of the citizens of Bowling Green. 

After proceeding a short distance, I delivered the horses to their 
owner, and then hastened with the celebrated race nag to Terre- 
haut, where I arrived at eight o'clock the same evening, and placed 
the mare, as I had intended, under the charge of Mr. Hickox, Deputy 
Sheriff, to await the order of her owner from Missouri. 

At one o'clock on the following morning I took the stage fo 
Indianapolis. 

Among the passengers in the stage coach was a very gentle 
manly looking man, by the name of Adair, a son of the late Gov. 
Adair of Kentucky. While we were at breakfast, this gentleman 
remarked in the hearing of us all, that 

"A man had passed through Terrehaut in pursuit of the murder- 
ers of Col. George Davenport, of Rock Island; and from his suc- 
cess in tracking them thus far, the probability was he would event- 
ually secure their arrest. The pursuit was conducted in a very 
secret manner, and but few knew of it." 

"If such is the case, sir," I replied, ''great caution should be 
used by all who are in the secret, as the murderers may hear the 
news, and make good their escape." 

" Very true," he replied. 

" But is not there some mistake about this 1 I have previously 
heard several similar reports." 

'' No," said Mr. Adair, " it is no mistake, 1 have it from Mr. 
Hickox, Deputy Sheriff at Terrehaut, who has seen and conversed 
with the man in pursuit." 

" Does Mr. Hickox make the matter public to any body and 
every body ? " 

" No, he told me in confidence." 

" Sir, are you not aware that you are abusing that confidence f 
If Mr. Hickox is in possession of such informaiion he is censurable 
for making a confident of any one, and you, sir, are equally censu- 
rable for betraying that confidence." 

" What do you mean, sir ? You are very free for a stranger 
Do you intend an insult ! " 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 100 

" I mean just what I say. That Hickox is smgularlj'' imprudent, 
and that you are equally so." 

" This is the first time I have mentioned it anywhere; and it can 
do no harm here." 

■'How do you know, sir, but some of the murderers or their 
friends may be present 1 " 

"What! here ! by no means ! these are all gentlemen !" 

"Are you acquainted with all present 1 " 

" No. Nor do I wish to be to know that they are all gentle- 
men." 

''Are you not aware that either of these murderers might take 
passage in a stage coach, mingle with gentlemen, and appear in 
every respect as much like a gentleman as yourself? " 

" What ! a murderer ! no, sir." 

" Certainly he might, however, sir; allow me to inform you 
that / am the man spoken of by Mr. Hickox. It became neces- 
sary to disclose my business to him, as I was in need of his servi- 
ces, but he has no good apology for disclosing the secret." 

" Is it possible 1 Are you the gentleman he spoke of? I had no 
idea there was any one present who had any knowledge of the 
matter." 

" Either of the murderers might have been here as well as my- 
self, and in making this matter public, you not only render the ar- 
rest of the murderers almost impossible, but you endanger my own 
life." 

" I acknowledge the wrong, and beg pardon. I was imprudent, 
but did not consider the consequences which might result. I will 
be more cautious ! Rest assured that I will not mention it here- 
after." 

The other passengers pledged themselves to keep the secret, and 
Mr. Adair, like a true gentleman acknowledging that he had recei- 
ved a valuable lesson, the matter passed off smoothly. 

On aiTiving at Indianapolis, a distance of seventy-five miles from 
Terrehaut, I met with Thomas B. Johnson, former U. S. Marshal 
of Iowa, under Harrison. 

This meeting I considered a favorable circumstance, being con- 
fident of arresting Fox in Wayne County, at his father's; and 
havnig been at a loss in my reflections, to determine what to do 






no THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

with him. whilo I should pursue John Long and Birch, of whom 1 
had lost track since they left old mother Long's the day before Fox 
was arrested, and taken to Bowling Green. 

Knowing Johnson as ex-Marshal of the District of Iowa, a}> 
jTcared to me a satisfactory reason for entrusting him wuth my 
secret, and endeavoring to secure his services. 

He readily consented to accompany me to Wayne County, and 
if successful in arresting Fox, to take charge of him and follow 
^^my instructions for his safe keeping, while I should pursue Long 
X and Birch. 

At an early hour on the following morning we took stage for 
Centreville, the shire town of Wayne County, where we arrived 
the same evening, and ascertained that John Fox, father of Wil- 
liam Fox, resided about nine miles southwest of the village. We 
were told that he was a farmer of some wealth and of very indus- 
trious habits — of rough and uncouth manners, and poorly edu- 
cated, but not suspected by any one of crime or dishonesty. 

I disclosed my business to David Gentry, Esq., Sheriff of Wayjie 
County, and to Thomas Noble, Clerk of the Court, both of whom 
rendered me valuable services. 

Mr. Noble ascertained from a man hving near old Mr. Fox, that 
William Fox was at home, and would remain there for several 
day, as he had not been at his father's home before for nine years. 

I was now at a critical point of my adventure, as it seemed on 
the verge of success, yet with much remaining to be accomplished- 
1 had no doubt of capturing Fox, but I had no track of Long and 
Birch. I was also anxious to get some clue to Fox's money on tlu? 
Des Moines River in Iowa, feeling confident that the money of 
which Col. Davenport was robbed w-as concealed with it. 

After much deliberation I resolved to draw this information fron^ 
Fox if possible, and also to obtain some track of Long and Birch. 

This undertaking was one of peculiar difficulty — involving 
more danger and doubt than anything I had yet undertaken since 
the commencement of my perilous mission. Fox was not only a 
man of superior keenness and ability, but he had seen me when I 
was engaged in the Hodges' trial, and would no doubt recognizo 
me at first sight. 

Sheriff Gentry, and Esquire Noble advised the immediate arrest 



OR, THE MURDKRER S DOOM. Ill 

of Fox, but as this would prove fatal to any further track of Long 
and Birch, as also to the recovery of the money, I was corn})el]ca 
to differ in opinion from these gentlemen. 

I therefore requested them to await my action for a short time 
before attempting the arrest. 

Leaving Johnson at Centreville, I started alone on horseback for 
the residence of Mr. John Fox. Upon my arrival, I was told that 
William Fox was absent. After a short conversation with old J^L•. 
Fox, during which I feigned much anxiety to continue on my jour- 
ney, I departed, leaving a letter for William Fox, in which I signed 
my name as Thomas Brown, and stated that Reynolds had re- 
ceived a letter from Mr. Williamson, the attorney at Bowling 
Green in reference to the stolen horses. I alluded to the attorney's 
proposition to have Myers put in use, and proceeded to relate my 
success in obtaining the horses. I concluded by regretting that 1 
could not see him as I must take stage at Centreville, for Cincin- 
nati early on the succeeding morning. 

My object in writing the above, as the reader will perceive, was 
to excite Fox's curiosity, and induce him to call upon me before 1 
left Centreville; and to make the matter more certain I said to the 
old man, that if Fox would come for me in a wagon, I would return 
home with him, and stay until I had only time enough to intercept 
the stage for Cincinnati. 

Returning to Centreville, I disclosed my plan to my associates, 
requesting them to be in readiness to act as circumstances might 
require, but to make no movement calculated to excite suspicion. 

About ten o'clock at night, while standing in the shade of the 
lamp-post, in front of the tavern, Fox rode up to the door, leading 
a horse with the saddle on, and addressing the landlord, said: 

" Is there a gentleman stopping with you by the name of 
Brown 1 " 

" There was such a man here, but 1 think he has taken stage for 
Cincinnati. You can ascertain whether he has gone by stepping 
down to the stage office." 

When Fox left, I requested the landlord to walk after him, 
and tell him that Mr. Brown was in his room, and to conduct bin; 
there. 

Going up to my room, I threw myself carelessly upon my bed, 



112 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

and pretending to be nearly asleep, awaited the arrival of Fox 
In a few minutes the landlord conducted him to my room and 
immediately withdrew. 

As the murderer approached my bed, near which was a lighted 
eandle, I leisurely raised myself and with a long yawn turned to- 
wards him. 

Fox started back as he caught sight of my countenance, but 
recovering himself in a measure, said in a faltering voice — 

'• This is not Mr. Brown." 

" Not exactly." 

" Is it not Mr. Bonney 1 " 

" That's it, when I am at home," I replied, at the same time 
offering him my hand, which he took, although still much exci- 
ted. 

I placed a chair for him near the stand, and placing myself op 
posite, said: 

" Well, Fox, I suppose you did not expect to see me here ? " 

''No!" he replied,"! supposed it was Brown! but what 
brought you here 1 " 

" We shall have but a short time to converse, as the stage will 
be here soon and I must leave for Cincinnati, so I will come to the 
matter at once. You will understand the object of my calHng by 
the contents of my letter which I left with your father, over the 
signature of Tom Brown." 

" Yes, I saw it." 

" I presume you did not expect such a favor from me. At home 
I am Bonney; when traveling I am Brown, and as I know fron) 
good authority that you are one of the right stripe, 1 will speak 
freely. I have had a long chat with Reynolds in St. Louis, in 
consequence of which I recovered your horses, as you will leain 
from Williamson." 

" It is true that I heard from him." 

'' He told me he should write you by the next mail." 

" Bonney ! you are the last man from whom I should have ex- 
pected such a favor, or indeed one of any kind. But it waf> a d — d 
good move. That Bowling Green affair has vexed me exceed- 
•igiy, but now I can go back and stand a trial." 

"Exactly." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 113 

*'■ When I first entered the room and recognized you, I thought 
a trap had been laid to catch me, bat I am satisfied that all is right, 
or you would have known nothing of the letter from Williamson 
to Reynolds." 

" Of course not, I knew that of itself would be sufficient to con- 
vince you, and now I will acquaint you with my business at Cin- 
cinnati." 

As usual, I produced the sheets of bank notes. 

'• How do you like the article I" 

Examining them closely, he said, " They are first rate." 

" Better were never made." 

" Where were they got up ? " 

'• In Cincinnati." 

" What amount have you ? " 

" Sixty thousand — only a sample with me however. Would 
you like to get some when I return ? " 

" I might take some, although I don't like to traffic in such stuff". 
It is attended with a great deal of risk." 

" Not with such an article as this." 

" Perhaps not ! By the way Bonney ! didn't you have some- 
thing to do with the arrest and trial of the Hodges ? " 

" Certainly I did ! They were charged with murder, which 1 
oppose under all circumstances. There are ways enough for us 
boys to get money without killing men for it. I have no doubt you 
are as much opposed to murder as I am." 

" Very true. I am ! " 

'* If I had not thought so, I would not have exerted myself so 
much to free you from your Bowling Green difficulty. If I lake a 
man's horse, he can buy another. If I take his money he can 
work and get more, but if I kill a man he is lost to his friends, and 
to the world." 

" These are my sentiments." 

" But anything else in the way of speculation, I am in for it. — 
Now you understand me." 

The reader will comprehend my object in assuming this position. 
Fox was well aware that I was active in the pursuit and arrest of 
the Hodges. I must therefore appear consistent with my former 
course of conduct, and at the same time manage io gain the confi- 



114 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES 

dence of Fox. 1 was very anxious to get some track of Long anr 
Birch, and knew no other way except through Fox. He was not 
aware that he was suspected of any participation in the murder oi 
Col. Davenport. At the close of our interview he seemed willing to 
give me his full confidence and urged me to accompany him to his 
father's, promising to furnish me with a conveyance to Connersville 
in tinic for the stage on the following morning. 

Fearing that any inquiry at this time relative to Long and Birch 
would arouse his suspicions, I determined to accompany him 
home. 

As we passed from the room, I noticed that Johnson and the 
Sheriff were ready with a posse to arrest my companion. In con- 
sequence of a signal which I gave them, unnoticed by Fox, we 
passed out of the house without interruption. 

While Fox was getting his horses in readiness for our depart- 
ure, 1 instructed Johnson to proceed early upon the following 
morning, with a posse to the residence of old Mr. Fox, and to 
arrest him and myself upon a feigned charge, and commit us both 
to jail, where I would have an opportunity to extract such infor- 
mation as I might desire from him relative to his comrades in the 
murder of Davenport, and to the money concealed in the blufls 
of the Des Moines River. 

We reached the old man's house about midnight, when we re- 
tired to rest in the same bed. 

In the morning I was kindly received by the family, and treated 
with much courtesy. Had Fox been anything but a cold-blooded 
murderer, I should have regretted the part I was playing. I was 
in momentary expectation of the arrival of the sheriff with the 
posse. 

Breakfast being over. Fox prepared to accomj)any me to Con- 
nersville. I was very much disconcerted that the posse had not 
yet made its appearance, and was under the necessity of changing 
my previous arrangements. It being Sunday morning, I remarked 
that there might be some uncertainty about a stage from Conners- 
ville that day, when Fox urged me to tarry until Monday morn- 
ng, to which I assented with apparent reluctance. 

During the day I was in constant expectation of the arrival of 
ihc posse, but from misunderstanding on the part of Johnson, they 



OR, THE MURDEnER's DOOM. 115 

did not make their appearance. By this mistake, however, I was 
3nabled to take advantage of managing a most interesting conver- 
sation with Fox, 

Having gained his confidence in all matters except those in 
which murder was concerned, he conversed freely upon every mi- 
nor subject connected with the operations of the gang. 

My great object now being to gain intelligence of Long and 
Bircli, my conversation had that constantly in view. 

" I suppose. Fox," said I, '' that you have been operating in this 
kind of business for a considerable length of time." 

"Yes, about nine years." 

" In what section of the country have you mostly traveled ? " 

" My line of operations has been from Wisconsin to Texas, in 
the states bordering on the Mississippi: generally near the river." 

" You must have an extensive acquaintance with the boys 1 " 

" Yes, I know hundreds of them ! Some have fixed habita- 
tions : others travel, and operate where they can make the most 
money ! " 

"I would like to get some fellow who is well acquainted in the 
south and west to help me dispose of this paper, as soon as I can 
get it ready, and share in the profits. How would such a job suit 
youl " 

•'I don't like that kind of business. It is too dangerous. One 
is liable every moment to be detected," 

" What kind of business do you prefer 1 " 

" Robbing is much safer than counterfeiting. I can 7-aise a 
thousand dollars with less risk of detection than there is in passing 
one counterfeit bill." 

" If that is so much better and safer business, I would like to 
have a hand in it." 

"I have friends in all parts of the country who keep a constant 
look-out, and when they find a good sight, they let me know; then 
I go and make the raise, pay them well for their trouble, and leave 
for some other part of the country as soon as possible. I have got 
thousands of dollars in this way, without being seen in the neigh- 
Iwrhood where I made the raise." 

" You must frequently incur a great deal of risk 1 " 



116 IHE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

"In most cases I can enter a house in the night, and search every 
part of it without giving any alarm." 

"Is it possible?" 

" Sometimes I get two or three of the boys in company with 
me, and enter a house in disguise, and boldly demand the money 
of the frightened household." 

" But do they not sometimes refuse to give up their money, 
when demanded 1 " 

"No. I never yet had any one refuse. They are always so d — dly 
frightened they are willing to give up their money, and glad to get 
off so." 

" What would you do if they should refuse 1 " 

" I would show a pistol or bowie-knife and threaten them, 

and if I could not frighten them to give up their money, I would 
let them go." 

"I presume you have plenty of money, so that it would not have 
embarrassed you to have paid up your bail bonds at Bowling 
Green ? " 

" I could have paid much more than that amount without incon- 
venience. I have a good deal of money loaned out. Besides 1 
have two thousand dollars buried." 

" You have been very successful." 

" Yes, and I have paid money enough to get some of my friends 
out of scrapes to make half a dozen men rich." 

" Did you ever get caught before you were arrested at Bowling 
Green?" 

" Yes; I was at Belle view in Iowa, at the time the mob shot 
Brown. They arrested me at the same time, but could prove lit- 
tle or nothing against me. So they tied me up to a tree and whip- 
ped me nearly to death, and then let me go. Some of them may 
have to pay for it one of these days. I should not have been 
caught at Bowling Green if the boys had followed my advice." 

" Were you acquainted with Brown who was killed at Belle- 
view ? " 

" Yes, my first horse was stolen under Brown's instructions." 

" I presume that was not the last one." 

'• No. Not by fifty." 

" Tom Reynolds told me that John Lonsr and Bob Birch were 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 117 

With you when you left St. Louis. How happened it that they 
were not arrested with you 1 " 

" They left old mother Long's where I was arrested, a few hours 
before the posse got there, and went down through Spice Valley 
to New Albany on the Ohio river, at which place they intended to 
take steamboat for Cincinnati." 

*' Then I may meet with them there. Do you think they would 
assist me in disposing of my counterfeit money 1 " 

"If you happen to see them, I think they would; but they will 
leave before you get there. They intended to stop in Cincinnati 
only a few days." 

" Will they be near my route to or from Cincinnati, so that I 
can call and furnish them with a few thousand 1 It may be a ben- 
efit to them and me also. If so, I will call on them on my re- 
turn." 

" They will not be near your road. They have gone back into 
the country towards Cleveland." 

" That would be entirely off my road. I am anxious to get 
back to St. Louis as soon as possible. Are you acquainted in 
Ohiol" 

" I have never traveled in that State, but know some of our 
friends there." 

" Who do you know there 1 " 

" Helms, who lives in Dresden on the Ohio Canal, is an exten- 
sive operator in our way, and JS'orton B. Royce, who lives in Illi- 
nois, on Rock River, is now in Ohio, twenty-four miles north of 
Columbus, and there are several others in Ohio, concerning whom, 
I am only acquainted through report." 

"Are Long and Birch well acquainted up in Ohio, where they 
have gone 1 " 

" They know Helms and Royce.'' 

" They have gone to Dresden, I suppose." 

" No; they are at Berkshire in Delaware County, at which 
place they agreed to meet Royce on the first of August, to make 
a small raise. They could not have got there by that time, but are 
probably there now, and have doubtless made the raise before this 
time." 

" Who got up the sight for them 1 " 

9 



118 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" Royce. He used to live there, and knew of some good sights, 
and told us if wo would go out there, that we could raise three or 
four thousand dollars. Royce left Rock River early in July in or- 
der to get to Berkshire in time to make all necessary preliminary 
arrangments before our arrival. We were delayed on the way, 
and did not leave St. Louis until the first of August. Then J found 
a sight near the Wabash river, and concluded to return from old 
mother Long's and make that raise, while Birch and Long were to 
proceed to Ohio, join Royce, and raise what money they could 
there; then return and meet me on the Ohio river. Under this 
arrangment Long and Birch left old mother Long's before I was 
arrested. After I got out of jail at Bowling Green, I concluded 
to go home to father's on a visit and remain until I could hear what 
disposition was made of the horses. I am now expecting letters 
from Long and Birch telling me where to meet them." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 119 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE ARREST OF FOX. 

As the reader will have noticed, I allowed Fox to talk on in a 
loud and rambling manner, hoping that from all he said, I should 
be able to extract such information as I desired. 

" Who got up the sight for you on the Wabash river ? '' I in- 
(juired. 

'^ Jesse Ray! an old acquaintance of ours, who keeps a station 
in Lawrence County, nine miles north of the county seat.'' 

" Is it a good sight, and easy to raise'? " 

"It is small: only seven or eight hundred dollars. Ray gave 
me an accurate description of the premises, and location of the 
money. There is an old man living near Ray, who has at times 
loaned money to him, which in a few days he would return, notic- 
ing in what place the old man deposited it. Ray says the old man 
lives in a decayed log hut, some distance from neighbors, and keeps 
his money concealed in the under bed, on which the old man and 
his wife sleep. They are very pious people, and attend church 
regularly every Sunday. I intend to go on Saturday night, and 
secrete myself in a hazel thicket, a short distance from the house, 
and watch until the family are gone to church; then enter the 
house, rake down the money and put out with it." 

" When you return to make that raise, you had better stop and 
get the race nag, as it will be but little out of your way."' 

" I don't like to take the race nag down that way again. They 
may be on the look out, and trouble me. I will send some one 
after her. I suppose it will be necessary for you to give me an or- 
der to get her, before you leave." 

" You can't get her with an order." 

" Why not ] " 

"I always look out for breakers. Some one, you know, might 



120 THE BANDITT^ OF THE PRAIRIES: 

forge an order and get her. She is too valuable to lose, ana 
thought it well to guard against ^ny irick." 

" Can no one get her but yourself? " 

"Any one directed by me can procure her." 

" Tell me how if you please." 

" First, you must know where to go, and then how to manage 
to get her, so if you send any person after her you must be very 
particular in giving directions." 

"' I am attentive." 

" Go up the Wabash river, on the east side, twenty miles above 
Terrehaut. You will see a farm house and barn; the barn is set 
into a bank, with underground stables. Morrison is the name of 
the farmer. Enquire of him for a horse left thereby a Mr. Brown. 
He will ask if you have an order from Mr. Brown, you will an- 
swer Ab. He will ask how do you expect me to give you the 
horse then 1 You will say, by giving the proper sign. He will 
say, what sign 1 Upon which you must cross your wrists at right 
angles, and repeat the words, Robinson Crusoe, when without fur- 
ther comment you will get your horse." 

Fox was exceedingly amused at the novel sign, and watchword, 
and bursting into a fit of laughter, exclaimed, with a variety of 
oaths: 

*' Well, that's the sign and watchword, I ever heard of 

I never should have thought of that plan to prevent deception. 
Bonney! you are an old oneJ' 

"After all the trouble I had taken to get the beast into my pos- 
session, I thought I would at least be smart enough to take care 
of her." 

" Certainly." 

*' To what place will Long and Birch direct their letter, when 
they write to you." 

" They will write to Ray, to tell mo where to meet them, wlien 
I go back to make that raise. I presume Ray has a letter from 
them before this time." 

" Do Long and Birch understand their business sufficiently well 
to operate successfully?" 

" Yes, Long has traveled with me two years. He is a first rale 
fellow, I never saw him stand back in a tight place. He would 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 121 

face the aevil if it were necessary. I can always depend on him. 
If I send him to do a job, it is always done as well as if I were 
with him; but I have no confidence in Birch. He is too self-con- 
ceited. He wants to be tailed Captain, and has a deal to say in 
planning an expedition, but when he comes to a tight place, he al- 
ways stands back, and says : 

•' lou go ahead." It is not so with Long. The more difficult 
and hazardous the task, the more bold and desperate he is. 1 have 
had a great many partners during the last nine years, but John is 
the best partner I ever had. He is honorable, and can be depend- 
sd upon. / believe Birch would murder his best friend Jor two hund- 
'•ed dollars. When we parted, I told John he had best get rid of 
Burch, but don't know whether he will.'* 

" Have you ever been engaged in any robberies witn Birch '( " 

"Yes, a large number. We were in a gooa many snaps upon 
Rock River, Illinois, Birch and I committed the roboery for which 
Bliss and Dewey were sent to the Penitentiary. Bliss had not the 
slightest knowledge of the transaction. Dewey got up the sight, 
but took no further part in the robbery. I was also concerned in 
the robbery of Hascall, at Inlet Grove. I entered Hascall's house 
in the night during a terrible thunder storm, and took his tnuik of 
money from under the bed in which himself and wife were lying 
together. They were awake at the time and conversing, while I 
was getting the trunk out from under the bed. The lightning 
shone so brightly that I could see every object in the room, yet 1 
crawled upon the floor to the bed — secured the trunk and contents, 
and escaped undiscovered, and without causing the slightest 
alarm."' 

" Very skillfully done." 

" Birch and I had the greatest time in attempting to rob Beach in 
Nauvoo. Amos Hodges ascertained that Beach had some four or 
live thousand dollars, and the whole plan was arranged — Hodges 
went to Brigham Young and got his opinion whether it would be 
right to rob Beach, as he was a brother Mormon. About this 
time Amos was compelled to leave Nauvoo, in consequence of 
some robberies in Iowa, in which he was implicated. 

It appeared that Brigham Young thought as Birch and I were 
not exactly Mormons, it would not answer to allow us to rob 



122 THE BANDITTI OF THE PAIRIERS: 

Beach, and accordingly told him of the whole plot. Beach got 
several men to help him guard his house, of which we were igno- 
rant. On Sunday night, the time we had set for the robbery, 
Birch and I entered the house, and when in the act of taking a 
trunk conto.ming the money, from the top of a bureau, we discov 
ered the guard on the hall stairs, and at the same time were seen 
by them. We retreated, and rushed through the hall, where a 
part of the guard were stationed. Several guns were snapped at 
us, but fortunately the caps burst. They all pursued us, and as we 
were leapins: the fence, two shots were fired at us. We ran as if 
the devil was after us, crossing streets, lots, through gardens, and 
over ditches, until they lost sight of us. In the flight I fell into a 
ditch of muddy water, and Birch lost one of his shoes, but we 
made good our escape; crossed the Mississippi River, and reached 
old Redden's the same night. 

" 1 suppose you have also been out with Long." 

" Oh ! yes. Long and I were concerned in the robbery of Frink 
& Walker's stage. In that we did not make much. We had 
expected to get hold of the Dixon land office money, but had been 
misinformed as to the time the receiver went to make his dc- 
posite." 

■'Are you acquainted with John Baker, who has traveled in the 
Rock River Country 1 " 

"Yes; Baker and I traveled in company for two or three years, 
but we had a difficulty about some goods which we had raised from 
a pedler, at Troy Grove, in Illinois. I went south to spend the 
winter, and left the goods with Baker to dispose of. When I re- 
turned he did not account for them to my satisfaction, so we dis- 
solved partnership." 

Thus the day wore away in convei-sation upon various topics 
connected with the gang, during which Fox said he had long been 
an intimate friend of Bridge, who has since been convicted as an 
accomplice in the Mulford robbery, and sentenced to the Peniten- 
tiary for a term of eight years. Fox stated that Bridge was ow- 
ing him a large amount of money which he had loaned him at dif- 
ferent times. Fox showed me a note for one hundred and sixty 
dollars, from which he said ho had torn Bridges' name, after having 
heard of his arrest on ch.vge of the Mulford robbery, fearing that 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 123 

suspicion might rest upon him as an accompHce, if the note should 
be found in his possession. 

One little incident in my intercourse with Fox is worthy of men- 
tion, as showing how nearly my projects were defeated by a mo- 
mentary carelessness on my own part. 

While Fox was making his statements I had my memorandum 
book in my hand, taking down the names and place of residence 
of some of the gang, when the quick eye of Fox discovered in it, 
a paper headed "Reward." 

" What is that reward ? " he inquired with as little hesitation as 
{X)ssiblc. 

I replied " Only a reward offered for some runaway negroes.'' 

At the same time, in an indifferent manner, I closed my memo- 
randum book, and put it in my pocket, continuing the conversation 
upon the subject on which I had taken the memorandum. 

This reward was in fact one offered for the "arrest of the mur- 
derers of Col. George Davenport," which I had imprudently pla- 
ced in my memorandum book. 

Having in this interview accomplished all that I desired relative 
10 the track of Long and Birch, I retired to bed with Fox, as 1 
iiad done on the previous night. I was still awaiting in anxious 
suspense for the arrival of the posse, but heard nothing from John- 
son. 

The care and anxiety under which I was laboring, did not pre- 
vent my sleeping soundly. I was worn out by fatigue, exposure, 
and ill health, and it was day light before I awoke. 

After breakfast Fox saddled his horses, and prepared to accom- 
pany me to Connersville, which he supposed I desired to reach in 
time for the morning stage to Cincinnati. 

This did not exactly suit my plans, and accordingly as we were 
about to mount our horses, 1 again inrjuired the distance to Con- 
nersville, and also to Centreville, knowing them to be nearly equal. 
I therefore proposed to return to Centreville, and take stage from 
there for Cincinnati, instead of from Connersville. 

Fox replied that he would accompany me to either place. We 
accordingly set out for Centreville, which we reached about nine 
o'clock in the morning. 

At the hotel, I noticed Johnson with the Sheriff, and his posse, 



124 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

ready to make the arrest. I gave them the signal to hold back for 
the present. 

Fox ordered his horses to the stable, and went down the street, 
to see an " old chum," saying that he would return within an hour. 

This gave me all the time which I required to arrange my plans 
with Johnson and Sheriff Gentry. 

I instructed Johnson to arrest Fox on a feigned charge of steal 
mg a race horse in Missouri, and to arrest myself on a charge of 
counterfeiting. 1 requested him to have Fox very closely search- 
ed, in order to discover if he had any money, or other articles in 
his possession which were taken from Col. Davenport, at the time 
®f the robbery and murder. 

The blank sheets of bank notes, which would be found upon me 
would be sufficient to detain me to answer to the charge of coun- 
terfeiting. I would then give bail, while Johnson should place Fox 
in irons, and proceed with him to Indianapolis and confine him in 
jail. I would then proceed in my pursuit of Long and Birch, keep 
Fox in entire ignorance of the part which I was acting, as also of 
the fact that he was at all suspected of the murder of Col. Daven- 
port. I desired this course to be adopted for two i-easons: First, 
that the gang should not learn that Fox was arrested on the charge 
of being concerned in the murder of Col. Davenport, as others 
connected with him in that affair, would take fright and escape, 
before I could complete the campaign against Long and Birch, and 
secure the arrest of all the murderers. 

My other reason was, that after capturing Long and Birch, it 
was my intention to return to Indianapolis, sufler myself to be 
thrown into the jail with Fox, on a feigned charge. I then intend- 
ed to inform Fox that he was suspected of being one of the mur- 
derers of Col. Davenport, and that arrangments were in progress 
by means of which the authorities would convey him to Rock Is- 
land, to answer the charge before the proper legal tribunals. 

At this stage of the plot, I intended, if Fox appeared sufficiently 
alarmed, to propose to him that he should bribe the jailor to let 
him escape, upon the payment of one thousand dollars. I knew 
that for the purpose of raising the proposed sum it would be ncccs 
sarv for Fox to have recourse to the sum of money which he had 
Duried in the bluffs on the Des Moines River, in Iowa. In this wav 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 125 

J hoped to draw from Fox a disclosure of the place of conceal- 
ment of the money, and I'ecover the amount of which Col. Daven- 
port was robbed. I then intended to convey Fox, together with 
the other murderers, to Rock Island. 

I had so far succeeded in my plot that I would have accomplished 
the whole scheme, if Johnson had been faithful, and followed my 
instructions as he had pledged himself to do. 

Desiring to complete some further arrangraents with Fox before 
his arrest, I requested Johnson and Gentry to delay it, until I should 
give them the signal. 

When Fox returned to the hotel, I ordered a private room and 
some refreshments, over which we agreed upon an arrangment 
for future co-operation in business. I was to proceed to Cincin- 
nati, finish and dispose of the sixty thousand dollars of counterfeit 
paper; and then return to the Wabash River, and get possession 
of the race nag. 

Fox was to go and raise the sight got up by Ray, get discharged 
from his liabilities on the bail bonds, at BowHng Green, and then 
with John Long and Birch, meet me on the Canada line, from 
whence we were to proceed through Canada, and the Eastern 
States, robbing, horse racing, &c., &c. 

All the time this arrangment was being fully determined upon, 1 
was seated near the window of my room, from which I gave the 
signal for the arrest. 

In a few moments a slight tap was heard at the door. 

"I wish the chambermaid would leave my room alone until the 
stage leaves," I exclaimed. " She can then have it all to herself." 

I opened the door as if to request her to leave, when Johnson at 
the head of a dozen men entered the room. 

" There are the men ! arrest them ! " cried Johnson. 

Several persons seized hold of me by the legs, arms and throat, 
while the others took possession of Fox in the same manner. 

" What is the meaning of this, gentlemen ? " I cried, endeavor- 
ing to break away from their hold. 

" You will know soon enough." 

They forced us hastily from the room; up a flight of stairs to 
the third story, and into the same room, in which I had first met 
with Fox. There they stripped, and searched us both. 



126 TriE BANDITTI OP THE I'RAIUIES: 

Nothing was found upon the jjerson of Fox, except about fifty 
dollars in good money. 

In searching me, they found a pair of rifle pistols- -a revolving 
six-shooter, bowie-knife and dirk cane, together with the blank 
sheets and about three hundred dollars in notes, mostly on the 
State Bank of Missouri, some of which was judged to be bad, be- 
ing precisely like the blank bills in my possession, on the same 
bank, which I had so often shown as samples of my sixty thousand 
dollars. 

Thomas G. Noble, Esq., aided in the arrest and conducted the 
search. Several persons present, who were not in the secret of 
my plot, looked daggers at me, when the savage weapons, and 
the blank bills were produced; forming, as they certainly did, very 
strong prima facie evidence of my guilt. I requested to see and 
consult with a lawyer, which according to previous arrangment 
was denied, both to Fox and myself. 1 did not wish my operations 
to be interfered with by any one, until I had brought Fox to ihc 
proper place to meet and defend the charges against him. I was 
too well aware of the quips and quirks of law, and had, I trust, an 
honest and well founded contempt of that class of lawyers whose 
trade it is, by means of their technical knowledge, to turn loose 
upon society men guilty of the blackest crimes, and, for a paltry 
fee, to aid in the escape from the just penalty of the law murder- 
ers and assassins. Such lawyers, if indeed they are worthy of the 
name, are the pests of society. 

The poet has truly said, "An honest man is the noblest work of 
God." It may with equal truth be said, that an honest, high-mind- 
ed and upright lawyer is the brightest ornament, as well as the 
most useful member of society; but where one such lawyer is 
found, a dozen of the other class will always be near to counteract 
his influence and destroy his power. 

While we wei'e undergoing the search, Johnson asked my 
name. 

*' Brown," I replied. 

" Your name may be Brown, and it may be something else," 
said Johnson; " but, gentlemen, I have nothing to do with this Mr. 
Brown, as he calls himself. Appearances are against him, and I 
hope justice will be done him. I have a warrant for Mr. Fox 



.':'^i!i!Vi^ 



1 1 i'iiiiii 




SEARCH OF BONNEY AND FOX.— pajre V^n. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 127 

cnarging him with stealing a race horse in Missouri, and shall 
accordingly take him back with me." 

All this had been previously aj'ranged, and the words put in 
Johnson's mouth. 

I I'eplied to this: "That now the nag w^s taken from Fox — 
she was detained at Bowling Green for several days, but a short 
time since, a villian calling his name Jack Brown, came to Bowling 
Green, claimed the nag and took her away; but there is a man on 
his track, and I reckon he will have her by the time I get back." 

Mr. Noble left the room, saying that he would go across the 
street to the court house, where the Circuit Court was then in ses- 
sion, and ascertain what should be done with me. 

By this time, the news that two black legs had been arrested, 
and were in custody at the hotel had become public in the street, 
lyawyers, from the Court House, flocked to the door of the room 
for admission, hoping to secure a fee from the prisoners. Entrance 
being refused them, some appeared angry, while others walked 
away with the quiet indifference and composure characteristic of 
their profession. 

Mr. Noble having returned, said: 

" Mr. Brown, I have had your money examined. It is all good, 
except one ten dollar bill, which is pronounced counterfeit by the 
cashier of the Bank." 

I started with astonishment, and asked him to show me the 
bill. 

" Here," said he, '•' is your money, except the counterfeit bill, 
and the blank sheets, which I must detain until your case comes 
before the court, I am instructed to admit you to bail in the sum 
of one hundred dollars, conditional for your appearance at court 
from day to day, until your case is disposed of, in default of which 
you will be committed to await the action of the grand jury." 

Some of those present exclaimed against the small sum required 
as bail. 

''As but one counterfeit bill was found in the possession of Mr 
Brown, and the court entertain some doubts whether the blank 
sheets could be considered as counterfeit, they never having been 
signed, therefore fixed the amount of bail at the sum of one hun 
dred dollars." 



128 THE BANDITTI OP THE PRAIRIES t 

I proposed to deposite that sum of money with any good man, 
as collateral, who would be my security on the bond. 

Mr. Noble replied, that he was Clerk of the Court, I might place 
that amout in his hands. 

I expressed a disinclination to deposite the money with Noble, 
giving him to understand that I was afraid I should never get it 
again. Upon this, he ordered me to be committed. 

The bystanders assured me that the money would be safe in 
Mr. Noble's possession. That he was not only Clerk of the Court 
but an honorable man. I counted out the sum of one hundred dol- 
lars, and placed it in his hands, upon which I was released from 
custody, and left the room. 

From the moment of our arrest up to the time that I gave bail. 
Fox was present, and every movement, thus far, had tended to 
pave the way for the full consummation of my plans with hin-u 
He had not uttered a word, but stood gazing upon the proceedings 
with an anxious eye, and a countenance as pale as death, through 
which, as through a transparent glass, shone the horrors of a guilty 
conscience. 

After leaving the room in which Fox was confined, 1 made 
arrangments for his conveyance to Indianapolis without delay. A 
carriage was prepared, and deputy sheriff Pease engaged to 
accompany Johnson, with directions to crowd through at top speed, 
by changing horses at the stage stations, to prevent trouble or 
detention by habeas corpus, or other process, which would aid 
Fox to escape. 

All things being properly arranged, Johnson and Pease left with 
Fox securely ironed, and under the most rigid instructions for his 
safe keeping. 

I then despatched a letter to Joseph Knox, Esq., informing him 
of what had been done, and that 1 was about starting for Colum- 
bus, Ohio, on the track of Long and Birch. 

I also requested the editors of the papers at Centreville, and at 
Richmond, to refrain from publishing the arrest of Fox. 

I had thus secured the villain who I believed was the principal 
actor in the murder of Davenport. I considered that he was in 
safe hands, and that he could not by any possibility escape. 

It was therefore with renewed hope, and confidence of success 
that I proceeded on the track of Long and Birch. 



ORj THE murderer's DOOM. 129 



CHAPTER XIV. 



PURSUIT OF LONG AND BIRCH, 



On the night of September 8th, I left Centre ville by stage, for 
Columbus, Ohio, at which place I arrived on the morning of the 
10th. I visited the public hotels and examined the registers, but 
not finding the names of Long and Birch, or any track of them, I 
proceeded to the livery stable of General E. Gale, of Columbus, 
who despatched a servant wdth horse and carriage, and conveyed 
me to Berkshire, in Delaware County, twenty-four miles north of 
Columbus, which I reached late in the afternoon, after a ride of 
three hours, and stopped at a public house, kept by a Mr. Van 
Sickle, being the only tavern in the place. 

After taking refreshment, I inquired after Norton B. Royce. of 
Illinois, and was told by Van Sickle, that, that individual had been 
staying with him for several weeks, but had just left for Illinois, 
having closed up his business in that part of the country. 

I then inquired after two men, without mentioning their names, 
but describing Long and Birch, as minutely as possible. 

After a pause, as if to summon something to his recollection, 
he replied 

" There were two men answering }''our description, who called 
here two weeks ago, traveling towards the East. They said they 
were going by way of Pittsburgh across the mountains to New 
York." 

This unfavorable intelligence somewhat confused me, and I was 
for the moment at a loss what course to pursue. During this mo- 
ment of hesitation Van Sickle watched my countenance as if to 
divine my motive. He inquired whether or not I had any partic- 
ular business with the men. 

" I should have been very glad to have seen them. It would have 
been more for their advantage, however, than my own." 



130 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" It is very probable that you may ascertain the route they have 
taken, by going to the stage station." 

I stood for a moment in deep thought, when recovering my self- 
possession, and presuming Van Sickle to be an honest man, I rais- 
ed my eyes to his countenance, and was about to disclose my busi- 
ness to him, and explain the full guilt of the men of whom I was 
in pursuit, but a peculiar look in his eyes, and a general expression 
of countenanee, such as no honest man ever possessed, prevented 
the disclosure, 

" My business,'' I said, "is not of a very urgent character. 
Some other time, perhaps, will do as well." 

" If you were to tell me your business with them," said Van 
fickle, "I may be able to inform them of it." 

" Well, I suppose you may be trusted. These two men I wish 
to see, and myself, are joint owners of a fine race nag, now in In- 
•diana. I have made up a race for a purse of five hundred dollars, 
which is to be run on the 1 st day of next October. The smallest 
of the^e two men, whose name is Long, is well acquainted with 
the race nag, and has ridden her at several races, and I w^anted 
him to ride this race now. Besides, as they are part owners of 
the nag, they would doubtless like to be present at the race. How- 
ever, as they have probably crossed the mountains, I may as well 
return and get some one else to ride her." 

" I have no doubt," replied Van Sickle, *' that these men are the 
same that you wish to see. I remember hearing them say some- 
thing about owning a very valuable race mare, which they had left 
in Indiana. They must be the same ones." 

" Well, when they return, tell them that 1 have called.*' 

*' They may be at Dresden, on the Ohio canal, now. Perhaps 
you can overtake them before they cross the mountains." 

Suspecting by this time that Van Sickle was one of the boys, 1 
ventured a bold question, and asked him: 

" If Long and Birch had been speculating much in that part of 
the country." 

" Not a great deal. They were not known by those names 
while stopping with me." 

" Very likely not. We all of us find it convenient to change our 
names, to suit circumstances." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 131 

« Of course." 

" By what names did they call themselves while here 1 '' 

" Henderson and BleccherJ' 

*'Yes; I have known them to travel under those names before. 
. suppose I must return without seeing them. Let me ask you 
one question before I go, however. " Van Sickle ! " said I, address- 
ing him familiarily, and tickling him on one side, " Don't you occa- 
sionally speculate a little yourself ? " 

" In what way do you mean 1 " 

" Give me your solemn promise not to betray me, and 1 wiU 
speak more freely." 

** Have no fears, I can keep a secret as well as any other man.'* 

Taking my sheets of blank bills from my pocket, I showed them 
to him, asking: 

" How do you like the looks of ihat article 1 " 

"They look d d well." 

" Would you like some of it? " 

*' Have you plenty on hand ? " 

" Only a sample with me, but can get all that 1 want." 

" I would like some; if they were only signed." 

" When I reach Cincinnati, I can forward you as much as yoi; 
please. You can use a large amout of it around this part of the 
country. You notice it is nearly as good as the genuine bill." 

'' When you first called and inquired for Royce, and then for 
Long and Birch, I suspected you was an officer in pursuit of the 
boys for some oflence, but no officer can track a man away from 
my house. Royce will be here this evening. He has not retur- 
ned to Illinois as I told you, but has gone up into Marion county. 
He will return this evening." 

'•Are the other boys with him.'" 

'• No. But they are not far off, Royce will know where they 
are." 

" I think I can read a mans countenance. I knew you were 
one of our boys as soon as I saw you. 1 would like to see Royce, 
but can't stay now. Indeed I do not care particularly about it, 
unless Long can be got to ride the race nag. On the whole, 1 
think I will return to Columbus this evening, and take to-morrow's 
stage for Indiana. As soon as the contemplated race is decided I 

10 



132 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! 

must go to Cincinnati, but will return this way and furnish you all 
you want in my line." 

Of course it was not difficult for Van Sickle to persuade me to 
stay with him until the next day. 

About dark Royce returned and was pointed out to me by Van 
Sickle. I introduced myself to him, as an old acquaintance of Fox, 
and after some unimportant conversation remarked: 

" Mr. Royce as Fox assured me that you were an old and inti- 
mate acquaintance of his, and of the right stripe, I shall take the 
liberty of speaking freely; and presume that I have nothing to fear 
in disclosing my business to you." 

" I am very well acquainted with Fox. He told me that you, 
and some of the boys were here operating a little, and requested 
me to call and ascertain how you are getting along.'' 

" What is Fox doing now 1 " 

" He was not doing anything when I left. He has had some 
trouble since Long and Birch separated from him. He was arrest- 
ed with some horses that the boys raised near St. Louis, but is out 
now on bail. I have got the horses away, so that there is no evi- 
dence against him, and he will eventually get clear. He won't do 
much now until ho hears from you and the boys. He told me that 
you had got up a few sights here, and that Long and Birch had 
come to help you raise them." 

"Yes, but we have not accomplished much yet. Does Van 
Sickle know you 1 " 

"I told him my name, and that I was after Long to ride their 
race nag, in a race to be run on the 1st of October next, for a 
purse of five hundred dollars, but I have told him nothing of yours 
or the boys' business here." 

" That was right. Van is a good fellow, but we dare not tell 
him all our allUirs. He is not sufficiently discreet." 

"As regards my own business at this time, I am getting up a 
larffe amount of rair currencv at Cincinnati, of which I have a sam- 
pie," producing my blank sheets. " Fox told me, that as you had 
probably made a raise of three sights, and would therefore be flush 
with funds, you might want a large amount of goods in my line, 
for which reason I thought best to call upon you on my way to 
Cincinnati. I shall have about sixty thousand dollars ready, as 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 133 

soon as two men can date and sign the bills. I would like very 
well to show Long and Birch a sample, and ascertain how much 
of it they will take." 

" The boys are forty or fifty miles from here now, and have 
accomplished nothing since coming into this part of the country. 
They promised to meet me here on the Isl of August, but did not, 
in consequence of which, we have lost two good sights. I had an 
old aunt here, who lately sold her property for twenty-two hund- 
red dollars in gold. If the boys had been here, we could have 
raised all that without the least dilHculty, but she left about the 
tenth of August, went West, and paid out her money for a new 
home. Then there was a merchant one mile North of this place, 
who had eighteon hundred dollars in his trunk, with which he 
started to purchase goods in New York, leaving here about the 
middle of August. 

" These two sights, making four thousand dollars, we might as 
well have had as not. As it is, we have lost the whole. The 
boys however, are out making arrangments to raise another sight, 
we have on hand.'' 

" Is this last a good sight ? " 

"Pretty fair. We expect to raise about sixteen hundred dol- 
lars." 

'' What direction is it from here '! " 

" Nearly a North course. In the Northwest corner of Knox, 
on the edge of Marion county." 

" How are things situated ? Will they gel the money without 
difficulty V ^ 

" Yes, the owner is an old Jersey farmer. He has only a 
small family, and lives at a considerable distance from any neigh- 
bors, in a small frame house, the doors of which he never fastens. 
The boys went up to make the raise about ten days ago, but there 
was a camp meeting in the neighborhood, and some of the breth- 
ren were staying with this family every night. Consequently they 
thought best to return, and wait until the camp meeting was over, 
and now they are on their second tour of observation. I have 
been up myself to see them once since they left, and discovered 
that they were gettmg along finely. They have examined the pre- 



134 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

mises during the night, ahd Long raised the door latch, and opened 
the door, which was not fastened." 

"Where do they stay, while making arrangments to raise the 
money'?" 

" In the woods, and in hay stacks near by the house. There is 
h large corn-field extending from the house to the neighboring for 
est, providing ample cover to and from the dwelling. I saw them 
night before last, and left provisions with them sufficient for four or 
five days, when I shall see them again." 

" Do they know the situation of the rooms in the house ?"' 

" Yes, during the season of the camp meeting, Long went to 
the house and asked to stay over night, but was refused because 
they were full of preachers. Long, however, discovered that 

there were but two rooms in the house. The family sleep in the 
apartment occupied for a kitchen." 

" Djd you learn the old man's name 1 " 

" Yes; but I have forgotten it. It was something like Black, 
Blackman or Blackburn." 

" Will you see them again before they make the raise 1 " 

" Yes; Saturday night next, I have promised to carry them 
more provisions. We have agreed on a place to meet at precisely 
twelve o'clock at night. I shall then learn more about the matter, 
ana if everything is right we shall make the raise on Sunday 
night." 

" I presume you will leave this part of the country as soon a?. 
possible after making the raise, traveling during the night to ■^\•o'u\ 
pursuit." 

'•Yes; we always travel as far from the vicinity of a transar- 
tion as possible the first night after making a raise. We then con- 
ceal ourselves during the succeeding day, proceed again under the 
cover of night until we get beyond the reach of susjiicion. In 
this way there is no danger of detection." 

" Will you have help enough to make the raise in case you 
should meet with opposition ?" 

•' I think we shall. No better men than John and Birch ever 
yet followed up a sight and we shall all be well armed." 

"I would like to meet with you, and the boys, at some suitable 



OR, THE MURDEREU's 1)0031. 135 

place, as soon as convenient, after you have made this raise, if 
the boys have good luck in it, they will then be prepared to pur- 
chase a quantity of my rag money. It will take but a short time 
to sign and date it, and it will then be ready for use." 

" We will meet you wherever you please. We have no other 
sights to raise in this vicinity, and it will make no difference with 
any of us, in which direction we go after leaving here. So suit 
yourself, as to our place of meeting." 

*'lf I knew precisely the length of time I shall be detained at 
Cincinnati, I could better determine when and where to meet you, 
but we must come to some definite understanding before I return. 
I am somewhat fearful too, that you have not help enough to make 
the raise." 

" We thought so ourselves at first, and Long went out to Dres- 
den to get Helms to help us, but he was not at home, and we con- 
cluded after examining the house, and noticing the situation of the 
family, that our force was sutficient." 

Much more conversation passed between us upon this and vari- 
ous other operations of the gang until late at night, when we sep- 
arated. 

Notwithstanding the great fatigue of traveling by stage day and 
night, involving sleep as it did, the present crisis was one of too 
.much importance, and too much remained still to be accom.j)li3hed, 
to permit me to spare even the time necessary to renovate exhaus- 
ted nature. Sleep departed from me, and a variety of expedients 
crowded at once upon my troubled mind. I had no difficulty in 
fixing upon a time and place to meet with and capture Royce, 
Long and Birch, after the commission of their contemplated rob- 
bery, but as I lay in the deep silence of night, it seemed as if there 
passed before my mental eye the bloody scenes enacted at the late 
residence of Miller and Liecy, and in the halls of the lamented 
Davenport. I felt that in the quiet farm house of the worthy old 
Jerseyman, similar scenes were about to take place, and it was my 
duty to endeavor at least to prevent the villains from succeeding 
in their attempt. 

After spending a long and sleepless night and discussing various 
] rojccts, weighing each in all the bearings I could think of, I at 
length decided upon one likely to prove successful in preventing 



136 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

this new robbery, and saving the unsuspecting family of the farmer 
from their danger, and at the same time enable me to capture the 
wretches. 

My plan was, to endeavor by proposing a more brilliant opera- 
tion than the one they had in view, to detach them from the pur- 
suit of the one, on the ground of its little comparative impor- 
tance. 

In the morning I held another interview with Royce, and com- 
menced at once upon my plan. 

" Royce, I have long had a plot in contemplation, which, if car- 
ried into execution, will make four or five men ricli, and the diffi- 
culty of getting men to assist me, in whom I can place implici* 
confidence has as yet, deterred me from executing my project; 
and I now seldom mention the subject to any one. Fox however 
has assured me that you are a man who may be fully trusted, and 
I will give you the outlines of the plot, which is, to rob the vaults 
of a bank containing about eighty thousand dollars." 

" If that can be done, it is just the speculation I would like to 
engage in." 

" It can be done with perfect safety. This thing of making 
small raises about the country is poor business. They are attend- 
ed with too much risk for the profit they yield. A man who 
hazards his life and liberty ought to do it for an adequate re- 
sult. Besides there is no more danger of detection in raising 
eighty thousand dollars than one thousand. To carry out the 
plan I speak of successfully, will require four or five resolute, 
skillful and energetic men. Fox will go with me whenever 1 
say the word, and I want no better n-.an. He is the only one 
as yet whom I have selected to accompany me in the expedi- 
tion. From his recommendation, although I am unacquainted 
with you, I would be willing that you should be one of the 
number. Then we ought to have one or tvvo more to operate 
effectually. But at present, I am engaged in this matter at 
Cincinnati, and must attend to it, in preference to any specula- 
tion." 

" Why not get Long and Birch to make out the number? — 
Then wo could go into this bank speculation as soon as you 
can get your counterfeit paper disposed of." 



OR, THE MURDERRR's DOOM. 137 

"I am not sufficiently acquainted with Long and Birch, to 
trust them in an enterprise of so much importance. I must 
have men who will stand by me in any emergency, and follow 
my instructions to the letter." 

" We can't find better men for such an operation than Long 
and Birch. I have known them for a long time, and have been 
with them in a good many tight places. I never knew them 
to flinch. If practice is worth anything, they ought to be per- 
fect, for they have been in such business for several years, and 
have always been successful. As far as my opinion is worth 
an} tiling, I would as soon trust them as Fox. They are men 
as good and true as he, and understand the business as well." 

" Upon your recommendation, and what 1 have heard Fox 
say of them, I think I might t:afely include them in the num- 
ber. They must, however, first pledge themselves to follow 
mv counsel in every respect. I have been at much expense 
and trouble to learn the situation of the vault, and all things 
connected with the internal situation of the banking house. Do 
you think they would be willing to engage in the adventure on 
such terms?" 

•'Nothing would suit them better. Where is the bank, and 
how is it situated?" 

"It is the South Bend Bank, in the State of Indiana. Were 
vou ever there 1 " 

"No; I have heard of it though. How can we enter the 
vault, and secure the money 1 " 

" By undermining the walls, and going in through the floor. 
We can then seize the boxes containing the specie and bank 
notes, and make off with them." 

" How soon will you be in readiness to make this bank raise?" 

"If 1 wait to get through with my present speculation, it will be 
at least four weeks, bnt since we have been talking, I have thought 
of a different plan. You, Long and Birch, and myself are now 
here together. Fox is within two hundred miles of us. Perhaps 
I had better return to Cincinnati, get the men at work, filling up 
and signing these bills, and then return by way of Indiana, where 
I will pick up Fox; while you and the boys, in the mean time, can 
make this raise of the old Jersey farmer; then we will all meet at 



138 THE BAA'DITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

some place, upon which we can mutually agree, and go and rob 
tne bank, while my men are filling up the blank bills. How will 
that suit you?" 

*' Exactly. We will meet you at any place you will designate." 

"As this robbery of the old farmer will naturally create great 
excitement in this vicinity, we must meet at some remote point. 
However, as this raise of yours is of little consequence compared 
with my sight on the South Bend Bank, I would suggest the policy 
of abandoning it, until we have disposed of my operation. You 
can then come back and make this raise, while I proceed to Cin- 
cinnati after my paper, which by that time will be completed. I 
can then supply you and the boys with any amount you may wantj 
and then we can each go our own way." 

'• Your idea is certainly a good one. 1 think the boys will agree 
with us, and abandon the sight they are on for yours. Where shall 
we meet 1 " 

'•When you see the boys, first find out if they are willing to 
leave their present sight for mine. If they will not, our place of 
meeting must be far from here. I think Adrian, Michigan, will 
be a good point, as it is directly on our road to South Bend." 

'•How long will it detain you to do your business in Cincinnati, 
go after Fox and get around to Adrian ? " 

'• To-day is Wednesday. I can reach Cincinnati to-morrow, 
remain there two days, which will occupy the remainder of this 
week. I will then go from Cincinnati, get Fox and meet you at 
Adrian next week on Saturday. Will you be there with Long 
and Birch on that day] If so, I will be punctual to the time." 

'• We will be there without fail. I will go and meet Long and 
Birch, on Saturday night; tell them the whole arrangment and 
advise them to abandon this sight for yours, and Vv^e will have suf- 
ficient time to arrive at Adrian at the time you propose." 

'' Then let that be the understanding, and I shall not expect to 
see you again until we meet at Adrian. I shall not return this 
way, as it will be much nearer for Fox and myself to go from his 
father's, in Wayne County, direct to Adrian. You and the boys 
must do as you think proper about raking down the old Jersey far- 
mer, before you start for South Bend, but you have mij opinion, 
that it would be advisable to defer it. Tell the boys Tom Brovm 
is on hand." 



OR, THK MURDER KRS DOOM. 139 

Then taking a social glass of wine with liim and Van Sickle, 
and promising to call as aften as in my power, and to furnish Van 
Sickle with a good supply of the "reaJ^," and wishing each other 
success, with a hearty shaking of hands I took leave of Berkshire 
for Columbus, at which place 1 arrived about the middle of the 
day. 

Believing the plot I had arranged sufficient to place Long and 
Birch in a situation where I could capture them, the only fears 1 
entei'taincd were, that they might yet decide to rob, and perhaps 
murder the old Jersey farmer, before leaving that vicinity. 1 
therfore proposed to intercept and arrest them in time to save the 
lamily, in case they should make such an attempt, and if not, to 
sieze them on their way to Adrian, before they should cross the 
State line into Michigan. 

After filling the blanks in the requisitions of the Governor of 
Illinois I proceeded to the office of the Secretary of State, to obtain 
writs from the Governor of Ohio, for the arrest of Long and 
Birch. The Governor and Secretary of State being absent, I 
applied to Mr. Woods, State Auditor, who was authorized by the 
Governor to transact such business in his absence from the seat of 
Government. 

After much difficulty and no little persuasion, I obtained from 
Mr. Woods the writs necessary for the arrest; not however until 1 
had convinced that honorable gentleman that, if the individuals fir 
whom I held requisitions, were suffered to remain in the neighbor- 
ing county a few days longer, the inhabitants would be glad to get 
rid of them on any terms, even if they applied the Lynch law. 

After obtaining the requisite official documents I procured the 
services of E. Gale, Esq., of Columbus, late Adjutant General of 
the State of Ohio, who accompanied me that same night to Mount 
Vernon, the seat of justice for Knox county, a distance of forty- 
live miles. 

The following morning we visited the collector's office, to ascer- 
tain if a person by the name Royce had given as that of the Jer- 
sey farmer, resided in the Northwest part of Knox county, and 
also to learn his reputed circumstances. We determined to reach 
the abode of the farmer in time to protect his family from their 
impending fate. 



140 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

We found upon the assessment roll of Knox county, all the 
names which had been mentioned by Royce, and we learned u)X)n 
further inquiry, that a camp meeting had recently been held in the 
Northwest corner of Knox county. This intelligence convinced 
me thet the statements of Royce were correct, and I accoi'dingly 
employed A. Thrift, Esq., Sheriff of the county, to accompany 
us, and disclosed to him and to General Gale, as much of my busi- 
ness as I deemed prudent or necessary at the time. 

Before leaving Columbus for Mount Vernon the State Auditor, 
Mr. Woods, furnished me with a letter of introduction to H. B. 
Curtiss, Esq., of the latter place, recommending me to his favora- 
ble notice and assistance. 

We left Mount Vernon in pursuit of the murderers; passed 
through Fredei'ick, Middlebury, Franklin, and Chesterville to Mt. 
Gilead in Marion county, but not finding the name, place, or des- 
cription to correspond with our previous information, we stopped 
for the night, hoping that some new intelligence might be ob- 
tained. 

Durinij the evening, I was introduced bv Sheriff Thrift to a cer- 
tain Mr. Shaw, a member of the Ohio Legislature from the county 
of Marion, to whom I disclosed the outlines of my business. This 
gentleman stated that he knew of a Mr. Black, who resided a few 
miles distant from Mount Gilead, and who, judging from the des- 
cription of his family and location of his premises, was probably 
tiie farmer whom the robbers intended to molest. 

At my request, Mr. Shaw accompanied us to the house of Mr. 
Black on the following morning, to whom I propounded some indi- 
rect inquiries. Suddenly our now associate Mr. Shaw, became 
restless, evincing symptoms of alarm, and hurriedly swallowing a 
glass of water, departed. 1 was at a loss to account for the cause 
of his fear, but supposed he was seized with a momentary jianic 
at the idea of the immediate neighborhood of bloody and remorse- 
less robbers, and believing, like worthy John Falstaff, that pruaence 
is the better part of valor, chose to make a safe retreat. 

A few moments' conversation with Mr. Black, and an invcsti 
gation of his premises, convinced me that he was not the selected 
victim. Picking up Mr. Shaw, W(3 persuaded him to accompanv 
us a few miles further, to the town of Galleon, in Richland countv. 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 141 

where, being satisfied tliat he was not the soldier for this kind of 
warfare, we did not urge him to go with us further, and he returnee 
to Mount Gilead. 

From Galleon we proceeded by a circuitous route to Johnsville 
without getting any trace of the villains. After two or three days 
spent in investigation and inquiry, we became well satisfied that 
liie robbery of the Jersey farmer was deferred to prepare for the 
South Bend Bank robbery, and I congratulated myself that my 
plot to rescue the unsuspecting family from the grasp of the 
assassms had proved successful. 

Havmg already obtained writs from the Governor the nexi 
move in order was, to intercept and arrest the murderers be- 
fore reaching the Michigan State Ime, on their way to Adrian. 

if I should fail in this attempt, and find it necessary to meet 
tlwm at Adrian, another obstacle would remain to be overcome. 
In accordance with the arrangments I had made with Koycc, 
1 should be compelled to bring Fox with me. I know that 
Long and Birch were old and experienced '^7-ats,'^ and I was 
fearful that they would suspect a trap and guard against being 
decoyed into it, by sending Royce in advance, to see if Fox 
snould make his appearance in company with To7n Brown, 
which latter gentleman they were acquainted with only by re- 
putation. In such a case it would be necessary to account 
satisfactorily for the absence of Fox. 

To prepare for this emergency, I wrote the following hand- 
bill: 

Q;;^ LOOK OUT FOR HORSE THIEVES ! ! c=£]XI 

'• On. or about the 10th day of September, a man by the name 
".'f William Fox was arrested near Bowling Green, having in his 
possession three stolen horses. He gave bail for his appearance at 
the next term of the court in the sum of eight hundred dollars, 
and left the country. 

" A few days afterwards a man calling his name Jack Broicn, 
made his appearance, proved a claim upon the horses, and took 
them away. In a few days the real owners of the horses appear- 
ed, but nothing could be heard either of them or of Jack Brown,, 
who it is supposed has gone to Cincinnati. 

" The public would do well to be on the lookout, as a gang of 
horse thieves are in our midst." — Wabash Enquh-er. 



142 THE UANDITTI OF THE PUAIRIES: 

I took this article to a printing office, and had it struck off 
upon a piece of newspaper which was printed on the opposite 
side. Then by trimming the edges, I gave it the appearance 
of having been cut from a newspaper, and placed it carefully 
in my pocket to use as circumstances might require 



OR, THE BIURDEREr's DOOM. 43 



CHAPTER XV 



ARREST OF LONG AND BIRCH. 



We left Mount Vernon and returned through Frederick ana 
Sparta, to Berkshire, the residence of Van Sickle. 

Before reaching Berkshire, Sheriff Thrift, who was known to 
Van Sickle, left us and took another route, by which he reached 
that place 'ate in the evening, and feigned to be an entire stranger 
to General Gale and myself 

Soon after Thrift's appearance, Van Sickle took me one side and 
informed me that the gentleman who had just arrived was the 
Sheriff of Knox county, and wondered what his business was at 
that place. 

I quieted his fears by suggesting that he was probably on his 
way to Columbus, and that at any rate, he could have no business 
with me, as I was a stranger in that part of the country. I inqui- 
red if Royce had started on his return to Illinois, and was answer- 
ed in the affirmative. He also stated that he had not heard of 
Long and Birch since I left. 

I promised to visit Van Sickle again after getting my counter- 
feit paper finished, and after tending the horse race in Indiana. 

While at this place, Thrift, Gale and myself treated each other 
as strangers, and we left together the following morning, as if 
accidentally. 

We proceeded to Delaware; thence to Marion, the seat of jus- 
tice of Marion county; thence to Little Sandusky, at which place 
we met with Birch, on the race course, betting and gambling. He 
wore in plain view the gold watch chain, and seal which were ta- 
ken from Col. Davenport when he was murdered, at Rock Island, 
and of which I had an accurate description in my pocket. Neither 
Royce nor Long was with him, and to have arrested him, would 
have been to let Long escape. Besides he was doubtless on his 
way to Adrian, and would join his confederates before reaching 
that olace 



144 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Without making our business known to any one, or instituting 
any inquiry, we left Birch on the race course, and passed on a dis- 
tance of seven miles, to Upper Sandusky, 

I had sufficient knowledge of the geography of the country to 
know Long and Birch would, on their way to Adrian, either pass 
through Lower Sandusky, or leave that place on the right, and 
cross the Maumee river at Perrysburgh. I therefore aimed to 
intercept them at one of ihose two points, and to take them to 
Rock Island by way of Detroit, St. Joseph and Chicago. 

I at this time wrote to Johnson, at Indianapolis, to proceed with 
Fox to Springfield, Illinois. 

I took stage at L' pper Sandusky, accompanied by Sheriff Thrift, 
to Tiffin; thence by railroad to Belleview in Huron county, ai 
which place I found time to address a letter to Joseph Knox, Esq., 
of Rock Island, giving him a minute account of the progress J 
had made since succeeding in the arrest of Fox. 

We arrived at Lower Sandusky, early on the morning of the 
1 8th. I called on Mr. Dickinson, acquainted him with the partic- 
ulars of my business, gave him the names under which Long and 
Birch were traveling — Henderson, and Bleecher — and made everv 
arrangment with him for their arrest, if they should pass through 
Lower Sandusky on their way to Adrian. 1 supposed it probable 
that they would reach this place in the afternoon stage, from Little 
Sandusky. After completing this arrangment the Sheriff and my- 
self took stage for Perrysburgh, a distance of thirty miles, for the 
purpose of guarding that point, and intercepting the murderers, if 
they should pass Lower Sandusky. 

About fifteen miles distant from this latter place, I recognized 
Royce, a little ways in advance of the stage, traveling on foot, 
with a portmanteau on his shoulder. I had barely time to say 
to Sheriff Thrift, "Treat mc as a stranger," when the stage came 
up with him. 1 beckoned to him, and the stage stopped to receive 
him. No questions were asked until we reached Howards* Hotel, 
nine miles east of Perrysburgh, when the stage made a halt, and 
vve dismounted. Royce inquired for Fox, and wished to know 
why he was not with me. He was also anxious to know who the 
gentleman with me was. 

I replied that he was a stranger to me, and that I had narrowly 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 145 

escaped detection and arrest for getting the horses from Bowling 
Green, and was forced to flee for safety. J. promised to give him 
the particulars as soon as an opportunity could be had after reach- 
ing Perrysburgh. I then inquired for Long and Birch, lloyce said 
they were coming on, and would meet him at the American Hotel 
in Perrysburgh that evening. I told him, that as we ought to 
avoid being seen in company, I would stop at the other house, 
while he and tiie boys might meet at the American Hotel, when 
1 would call upon them and prepare to go on to Adrian in company. 

At Perrysburgh, 1 stopped with Sheriff Thrift at the Stage 
House, for the purpose of making arrangments unknown to Royce 
for the arrest of Long and Birch immediately after their arrival. 

I called to my assistance J. C. Spink, Esq., to whom I had been 
referred by Mr. Dickinson, and our preparations were speedily 
made for the reception of the murderers. 

I tiien held an interview with Royce, who at first manifested 
much distrust because Fox was not with me. I was obliged to 
manufacture a story to quiet his suspicions. I told him that after 
leaving him at Berkshire, I had returned to Colund:)us, and from 
thence to Cincinnati. I had there stepped into a reading room and 
seen an article copied from the Wabash Enquirer, headed, "Look 
out for horse thieves," and speaking of me by the name of Jack 
Brown. I also learned that the City Police were on constant 
watch for me. I have, as you see, cut the article from the paper 
in w hich I found it, and now show it to you. 

Finding thai Cincinnati was not a safe place for me, I went 
secretly and set the men at work filling up and signing the blank 
bills. I then left the city, but discovering that the sheriffs and 
constables back in the country were also on the alert for Jack 
Brown, it would have been rashness in the extreme, as I thought, 
and you will readily acknowledge, for me to have gone back to 
Indiana. 

Under these circumstances I resolved to return through Colum- 
bus, and Berkshire, to meet you and the boys at Adrian. As 
soon as they arrive we will take council together, and decide upon 
the best course to pursue. If necessary, one of the boys must 
go after Fox. 

This explanation, accompanied by the article purporting to have 



140 THE BANDITTI OF THE PAIRIERS: 

been cut from a Cincinnati Daily paper, was a satisfactory ex- 
planation to Royce for the absence of Fox. He congratulated 
me on my fortunate and hair-breadth escape, and expressed the 
opinion that it would not be necessary to send for Fox to assist 
in the bank robbery, as from my description of the situation of 
matters, he judged that four of us, would be sufficient to make 
the raise. 

He stated that the name of the old Jersey farmer, who was 
about to have been robbed by Long and Birch, went by the name 
of JVilborne. He had mistaken the name, when he saw me in 
Berkshire. The boys upon learning that he had seen Tojn Broun, 
and upon being informed of the project for robbing the South 
Bend Bank, had decided at once in favor of abandoning the Wil- 
horne Robbery. He said that they were in high spirits, and full 
of animation, at the prospect of uniting with their old friend, Tom 
Brown, in an operation of so much promise. They had not seen 
him since he fled from Nauvoo, at the time the Hodges were 
arrested. 

The afternoon passed away in conversation, and at evening we 
each returned to our respective hotels, to await the arrival of Long 
and Bii'ch. 

I watched for the approach of the murderers until eleven o'clock 
at night, and was about to retire, when a messenger arrived fjom 
Lower Sandusky, bearing the welcome intelligence of the arrest of 
Long and Birch at that place, by a posse under the direction of 
R. Dickinson, Esq. ♦ 

Sheriff Thrift, at my request immediately arrested Royce, 
keeping him in total ignorance of the part I was acting in the affair. 
Nothing was found upon his person of a criminal character, except 
one ten dollar counterfeit bill, upon the State bank of Missouri. 
This was not considered sullicicnt to hold him to trial on a crimi- 
nal charge, but at my request he was kept in custody for four 
days. I desired this, that he might be prevented from conveying 
ihe intelligence of the arrest of Long and Birch to their confede- 
rates in the Davenport murder, until I could reach Rock Island 
and secure their arrest. 

Upon the person of Royce were also found three pistols, a bowie 
knife and a bundle of small slips of paper containing names of 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 147 

persons, to the number of three or four hundred, who were sup- 
posed to be members of the organized gang of assassins in various 
parts of the country. 

We left Perrysburgh at two o'clock on the morning of the 19th 
of September, and arriving at Lower Sandusky about six, found 
Long and Birch safely lodged in jail. 

I called upon R. Dickenson, Esq., who had conducted the arrest, 
from whom I learned the particulars. 

About five o'clock in the afternoon of the day on which I had 
left Lower Sandusky the southern stage arrived, containing 
two passengers bearing a general resemblance to the description 1 
had given Mr. Dickinson of Long and Birch. He had repaired to 
the stage house, examined the way bill and found their names en- 
tered as Henderson and Blcecher. By this time, the two passen- 
gers had been taken to the Railroad House. Mr. Dickinson i.nme- 
diately raised a posse, proceeded to the house and arrested the 
murderers. 

An individual of suspicious appearance approached the house in 
advance of the posse and informed Long and Birch that they were 
about to be arrested. 

J At that moment Birch was standing at the bar, having first cal- 
led for a glass of liquor. The landlord had stepped out for a 
pitcher of water. 

Birch ran to the door and saw the poise advancing within a few 
feet of him. He turned his back to them and tore from his watch 
the gold chain which he had taken from Col. Davenport, at the 
time of his murder, threw it inside of the bar, and turned agam 
towards the door, when tho posse rushed in and seized him. 

A more full account was afterwards given me by B. J. Barllelt 
and C. K. Watson, Esq., Attorney at Law at Lower Sandusky, 
who aided in the arrest. 

Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Pease took Birch by the arms, and Mr. 
Dickinson demanding to see his v/atch, drew it from his pocket, 
excl&iming: 

" This is the watch ! '' 

Birch said: " That is not his watch, it is my watch." 

Messrs. Pease and Bartlett then conducted Birch to the Court 
House, while others did the same by Long. On arriving there 
they were placed in separate rooms, and Bartlett commenced 



148 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

searching Birch. He found eight dollars in paper money, a little 
silver, a box of percussion caps, bullets, bowie-knife, a gold breast- 
pin, a gold lever watch, and shortly after a gold chain and seal 
were brought in, said to have been found near the place of arrest. 
This chain had been so forcibly detached from the watch, that the 
gold ring connecting them, was straightened out. 

Birch refused to give any account of himself, and declined an- 
swering all questions. 

Long also adopted the same course of conduct. Neither of 
them was informed that they were arrested on a charge of murder. 

Mr. Watson's statement was similar to that of Bartlett. He 
gave the name of the man who had apprised Birch of his danger, 
as Nelson Rich. Upon the person of John Long was found a sil- 
ver watch, and a few memoranda. 

When I first entered the jail at Lower Sandusky, wdiere Long 
and Birch were confined. Long inquired of me, for what murder 
they were arrested. 

'• For the mur4er of Colonel Davenport, of Rock Island," 1 
replied. 

"Rock Island! " said he, as if he had never before heard the 
name. " Rock Island, where is that place ? 1 never was there. 
1 don't know of any such place. I thought we were arrested on 
charge of having committed the Xenia murder, in Ohio." 

This murder alluded to by Long occurred about the 3d of Au- 
gust. A store was broken open, tvi^o clerks who were sleeping in 
it, murdered, and the building robbed, and set on fire. 

Before leaving the jail Long tried by offering bribes, to induce 
me to let him escape. 

"It is of no use. Long, to make such an attempt upon me." 

" What are you going to do with us 1 " 

•' Take you to Rock Island." 

" To be hung, I suppose.'' 

" Yes, if you are convicted by a jury of your countrymen." 

'•By ! you will lose, your own life before you get me 

there." 

" I shall run my risk of that." 

"I have lots of friends all along the road, who will avenge any 
injury done to me. You had better accept my ofl'er and let me 
escape." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 149 

" Long," I replied, " I am neither to be bribed by your promises 
nor intimidated by your threats. You stand arrested on a charge 
of having committed a high crime. As to your guilt or innocence, 
it is not for me to inquire. My duty as an officer, requires me to 
convey you safely to Rock Island and deliver you both up to the 
proper authorities, and if I live, I shall do it." 

Sheriff Thrift and myself spent the remainder of the day in 
seeing that the prisoners were properly ironed preparatory to our 
starting on our journey with them. 

On the morning of the 20th, we left Lower Sandusky by stage, 
for Detroit, reaching that place on the following day. We lodged 
the prisoners in jail, for safe keeping, over night. The next mor- 
ning we took them on board of the cars for St. Joseph, Michigan, 

As the cars were about leaving Detroit, the jailor took me one 
side and informed me that Long had met with an old confederate 
in prison, and had told him that I would never succeed in getting 
them through to Rock Island. That he and Birch intended to 
watch for an opportunity to get hold of our pistols, kill us, and 
make their escape. If they could not succeed in this, they had 
friends enough in Chicago, and between Chicago and Rock Island, 
who would find some means to rescue tiiem, and set them at lib- 
erty. 

I communicated this information to Sheriff' Thrift, and placed 
Birch under his immediate custody, taking Long under my own, 
as I believed him to be the boldest and most desperate of the 
two. 

After traveling a considerable distance, Long finding himself 
closely guarded, and that his chance of getting hold of my pistols 
was not good, interrogated me as to the cause of suspicion having 
been fixed upon them, but getting no satisfactory answer, broke 
out upon me with all the violence of his nature. 

" Bonney ! I tell you, you have got into a tight place. 

Birch has a great many friends in the country we are about to pass 
through, and they will have their revenge for this arrest. If he is 
injured, you will suffer the consequences — mark my words !" 

These remarks, added to his threats in the jail at Lower San- 
dusky, and a disclosure of his desperate plans and intentions to- 
wards myself and Sheriff Thrift, induced me to deal harshly with 
him. 



150 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

"Long," said I, "you must make no more threats, nor attempt 
to escape. If you do either, I will put a hundred weight of iron 
on you. I will hoop you from head to foot. If I see you trying 
to escape, you aje a dead man: mark my words ! Neither flatter 
yourself that your friends will rescue you from my custody. They 
can never take you away alive. I intend to treat you well, but I 
shall keep you safe. Believe me when I tell you that you and 
Birch must go to Rock Island, dead or alive." 

This decided reply seemed to have the desired effect upon Long. 
He was sullen and restless for a few hours, after which he gave 
me no more trouble. 

Birch afterwards made another attempt to bribe me, by offering 
a large sum of money, saying, that if I would suffer them to es- 
cape, he could readily command ten thousand dollars, through the 
assistance of his friends, which sum he would secure to me. 

I replied that I was acting in the discharge of an officia. 
duty, and that I had no price, except to fulfil the obligations resting 
upon me. 

" Very well, sir," said he, " if my oflTer is unavailing, will you 
tell me what course you shall pursue, if my friends attempt to res- 
cue us ? " 

"I shall shoot you both. You may consider that the mo- 
ment such an attempt is made, is the last moment of your exis- 
tence." 

'* But you would not kill us, we are ironed and can do nothing. 
We would not be to blame." 

*' I know very well. Birch ! that none of your friends will attempt 
your rescue, without some previous sign from you. You must go 
to Rock Island. Your only chance for escape is from the legal tri- 
bunals of the land. If you want to get there alive, you must give 
your friends no signal to interfere with mo, whilst 1 am in the dis- 
charge of my duty." 

From Detroit we reached Marshal by railroad, at the dusk of 
evening. We then took stage tor St. Joseph, which we reached 
late in the afternoon of the next day, and embarked on board the 
steamer Champion, bound for Chicago. In consequence of a heavy 
gale upon the lake, the Champion was compelled to remain at St. 
Joseph until the evening of the 24th, during which time Captain 
E. B. Ward rendered us all the assistance in his po'/rr. 




Birch throwing tlie Portmanteau overboard. — patre 151. 



OR, THE MURDEUER S DOOM. 151 

Wnile on our passage from St. Joseph to Chicago, Birch was 
exceedingly restless, and frequently complained of sickness. 

Sheriff Thrift was constantly with him, permitting him to go 
wherever he chose upon the deck of the boat. When within a 
few miles of Chicago, Birch and Thrift passed into the gentleman's 
cabin where I was keeping watch over Long. Thrift seated him- 
self in a chair, and exhausted by constant watching and fatigue, 
soon fell into a sound sleep. 

Birch perceiving that the sheriff was lost in sleep, started from 
his seat and moved cautiously towards the companion way. I asked 
him where he was going 1 He said that he was sea-sick and wan- 
ted to go on deck. Knowing that it was impossible for him to es- 
cape from the boat, without jumping overboard, and that as he 
was heavily ironed, he could not swim for a moment, I suffered 
nim for the first time during the passage to go on deck alone. 

In about ten minutes he returned to the cabin, and was speedily 
foUowea by the porter of the boat, who informed me that the pri- 
soner had entered the captain's office, where the clerk of the boat 
was sleeping at the time, and taken from it, my portmanteau, 
which contained my traveling baggage together with all the articles 
SaKen from the prisoners at the time of their arrest, except tl>e 
gold watch and breast pin found upon Birch, and the watch chain 
and seal of Col. Davenport. These 1 had taken the precaution to 
keep about my person. Birch, after getting the portmanteau had 
hurriedly thrown it with its contents into the lake. 

Among the articles lost with the portmanteau was the silver 
watch of which the Methodist Minister was robbed. Also the 
bowie knife that Birch flourished over the head of Mrs. Mulford, 
ane'» a pistol belonging to John Long, which in all probability was 
the one from which Col. Davenport had his fatal wound. 

On reaching Chicago, the porter made and subscribed an affi- 
davit before Esq. Kercheval, Justice of the Peace, setting forth 
the above facts. 

Birch afterwards confessed that he threw my portmanteau over- 
board for the purpose of destroying the evidence of his guilt, sup- 
posing it contained the watch chain and seal of Col. Davenport. 

I conveyed the prisoners from the steam boat to the Chicago 



152 THE BANDITTI OF THE I'RAIRIES: 

jail, and placed them in the cusiuux? oi Sheriff Lowe, until eleven 
o'clock. 

While in jail, Mr. Wentwcip vi me Cnicaso Democrat, called 
to see the ])risoners, and intormon them ot tne arrest of Bridge, 
Oliver, and McDole, on Rock River, and also of the disclosures of 
West. 

Birch became much alarmed, criecl, and earnestly begged that he 
might remain confined in Cmcaaro. until me excitement throughout 
the country should have suosiaea. He said ne was afraid that he 
should be lynched; that he was a very bad man, was guilty of rob- 
bery, larceny, &c.. but protested his innocence of the Davenport 
murder. 

Long in the meantime aooeared perfectly cool and unconcerned. 
He said that he had nothinir to tear. He had never wronged a 
man in his life, and 

"As for you, Birch, vou are a d d fool, for making 

^ch a fuss." 

Being myself worn down by constant watchfulness, and having 
still one hundred and eighty miles to travel through a sparsely 
populated country, where Long expected assistance from his 
friends to aid his escape, 1 considered it only common prudence to 
put extra irons upon the prisoners. I also employed Deputy She- 
riff Wisencraft of Chicaeo. a vigilant and trustworthy police offi- 
cer, to accompany me to Rock Island. 

Frink, Walker & Co. furnished us with an extra stage coach in 
which we left Chicago. Unfortunately for our quiet and unmo- 
lested passage through tne country, the stage left immediately af- 
ter the arrival of the steam boat Champion, conveying passengers 
who had been with us crossins: the lake, and who spread the news 
of the arrest of the Daven[)on murderers, several hours in ad- 
vance of us, giving the friends of the prisoners sufficient time to 
rally to their rescue, if thev were disposed to hazard the attempt. 
Orders, however, at our request were sent by the mail stage to the 
stage agent at Dixon, to detain the stage at that place, until the 
arrival of the extra. We hoped by this means to prevent the news 
getting in advance of us, beyond that point. 

At Naperville, thirty miles west of Chicago, I met with Hon. 




RUFFIANS APPROACHING THE STAGE COACH.— pi [■& ir^ 



OR. THE murderer's DOOM. 153 

Judge Thomas, then holding his court at that place Judsro Tho- 
mas, having some knowledge of the extent and power ol tne gang, 
in the interior of the country, advised me to leave the main stafire 
road, on the line of which the news had preceeded me. ana by 
reaching Dixon on a circuitous route, avoid any concenea inter- 
ception by the gang. 

We however determined to go ahead on the main road, and if 
molested, to cut our way through, if possible, and if overpowered, 
to put the prisoners to death, rather than allow them to escape 
their just reward. 

We reached Little Rock about midnight, where the drivers made 
an effort to detain us until morning. After some altercation, How- 
ever we compelled them to go on. 

We were now approaching the heart of the country most inte=- 
ted by the gang. Although not disturbed by fear, we were 
watchful and anxious. Not to have felt some degree of doubt, 
would have been unnatural. There was enough in the scene ana 
place itself, to create in our minds a certain degree of anxiety. 
It was midnight, and our little party was alone, in the midst of an 
almost boundless prairie. Every turn in the road, every little rise 
of the prairie, might be the ambuscade of deadly and determmea 
men, ready to hazard their own lives, and reckless of ours, to set 
their old companions at liberty. 

No wonder that we gazed out earnestly upon the moonless nighi. 
and were grateful even for the faint star rays which cast a feebie 
light upon the darkness and desolation of the scene. 

We passed on in silence. Nothing was heard but the rumbiinir 
wheels, and the heavy breathing of the prisoners. Each hour oi' 
that dreary nigh seemed almost like an age of ordinary existence: 
we were ready and determined to resist with desperation any at- 
tack which should be made. 

After passing a few miles from Little Rock, two men made their 
appearance on horseback, emerging from a thicket, by the road 
side, and came up along side of the coach. A glass lamp was 
burning in the coach, and the windows and curtains were closed. 

These men attempted to look into the stage, first, by putting 
their faces against the windows, and then by attempting to lift up 
the curtains. They seemed desirous of ascertaining our strength. 



154 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

They then fell back, and after apparently holding a consultation 
again advanced, and repeated their mancEuvre. 

At this time, Birch in a careless way, but evidently to test my 
determination, said: 

"Bonney, these men are our friends. They have come to rescue 
us, as we told you they would." 

/ I replied promptly, "The moment they make the attempt shall 
be the last you will pass on earth." 

"You have a savage disposition, Bonney, would you murder 
usr 

"I would not call it murder. It would be taking the law in my 
own hands, and I would not be afraid to meet any court in Chris- 
tendom on the issue." 

Wisencraft gave them the same assurance, and they appeared 
fully convinced that such would be our action if they were to sig- 
nal their friends, and accordingly withheld it. 

These two men continued to accompany us until neaf the dawn 
of day, often approaching the coach, but not once addressing any 
remark to its occupants, or to the driver. They then left us, and 
we saw no more of them. 

About nine o'clock in the morning we reached Dixon, and found 
the mail stage awaiting our arrival, to accompany us to Rock 
Island. 

From Dixon we proceeded on our way without interruption, 
and without noticing anything worthy of suspicion, until we arri 
vcd within sixteen miles of Rock Island, where we stopped to take 
supper. 

While we were at supper a stranger took his seat in the extra 
we had chartered for our own transportation, and that of the pris 
oners, and expressed his determination in opposition to all reason- 
able entreaties to accompany us as far as Rock Island. He was 
otlbred a seat in the regular mail coach, which he relused to accept. 
1 was at length under the necessity of ejecting him by force. 

About midnight of the 26th of September we reached Ror k 
Island, and delivered our prisoners into the custody of Lemuo 
Andrews, Sheriff' of Rock Island county, who lodged them safely 
in jail. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 155 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Beixg myself worn down by fatigue, and ill health, I was com 
polled to remain at Rock Island, and entrust the arrest of the resi 
due of the murderers to other hands. 

In less than two hours after my arrival, Dr. P. Gregg, and Jo 
seph Johnston, of Rock Island, were on their way to arrest Aaron 
Long who was then residing about six miles East of Galena, and 
John Baxter, who was then in Wisconsin, near Jefterson City. 

Birch finding himself safely lodged in jail, with no hope of es- 
cape, and the prospect of a speedy trial, intimated his willingness 
to make some disclosures, which might aid the authorities in a fiu"- 
ther prosecution of the gang, and lead to a recovery of the lost 
money and watch. 

I accordingly took Birch from his cell, and conducted him to a 
room in the jailor's dwelling, where he commenced a confession, 
which he completed the following day. In his confession it will 
be noticed that Birch cautiously works himself out of the scrape, 
by endeavoring to account for his absence, and substituting tin; 
name of Brown in his stead, to make out the number. At a sub- 
sequent confession he so far contradicted his first one, as to admit 
that he was a participator in the robbery and murder of Col. Da- 
venport, with a personal knowledge of the whole affair. 

The substance of his confession was as follows: 

Confession of Robert Birch at Rock Island. — About the 27th of 
last June, John Long, Aaron Long, William Fox and myself, left 
Fort Madison, in Iowa Territory, in company, on the steamboat 
Osprey. We went up the Mississippi, passed Rock Island, and 
landed at New Albany. Then all of us went up into the woods 
back from the river, eight or nine miles. John Long and myself 
went to a Mr. Miller's, who was said to have a large amount of 
money. We both passed the house, and observed carefully the 
situation of it. I passed on alone a short distance, while John went 
on to meet Aaron Long and Fox. 



156 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Fox went to Miller's and staid over night. In the morning he 
asked Miller to change a ten dollar bill. This was for the purpose 
of ascertaining where jMiller kept his money. Miller not being 
able to change the bill, we concluded he had not much money by 
him, and his robbery was abandoned for a while. 

Fox and the Longs went from there to Fulton, where they met 
with a man calling his name Lee, or Little Brovm. 

I went over to Rock River, to help Bridge break jail. 

Fox, John, Aaron and Brown, stole a skiti'. and went down the 
river to a place near Rock Island, where they camped out. They 
remained there for several days, until the 4th of July. On tha^ 
day they crossed the slough on to the Island in the same skiff they 
had stolen up the river. Tiiey had previously ascertained thai 
the family of Col. Davenport would all be absent from the Island. 

Fox and John Long entered the house of Col. Davenport 
through a back window, and commenced searching the house for 
money, leaving Aaron outside of the door to keep watch. 

As they were passing through a back hall, and about to enter 
into the parlor. Col. Davenport came into the room from another 
door. Fox turned to fly, when John Long cried to him, 

'' Take him chunky! " 

Fox turning, drew a pistol, and said to Davenport: 

*' Stand, sir ! " 

At this instant, the pistol went off accidentally, and shot Daven- 
port through the thigh. 

They then tied him, blind-folded him with Fox's red silk hand- 
kerchief, and taking him up stairs, made him unlock his safe, and 
after robbing it, they left Davenport on the bed, with a pitcher of 
water standing within his reach. They told me afterwards that 
they took from Davenport, exactly four hundred dollars in notes, 
one five franc piece, his gold watch and chain, a gun, and one 
pistol. 

John Long said, that when they left the house, he was afraid 
that the old man would die, he bled so freely, and had fainted two 
or three times. 

They then re-crossed the slough, and fled to Rock River, where 
they stole another skiff, passed down the stream a few miles, and 
landed on the opposite shore. They proceeded on to New Boston 



"dR, THE murderer's DOOM. 157 

stole another skiff, and floated down the Mississippi to Nauvoo. 
From there they went over to old Reddcn's at Devil Creek, and 
secreted the money and watch which they had taken from Daven- 
port, in old Redden's wheat field. 

John Baxter is the man who informed them of the particulars 
which induced them to assail Col. Davenport. He is the man who 
got up the sight. By this term, I mean that he planned and ar- 
ranged the rohbery. He was not on the Island at the time it took 
place, but he advised and gave ail necessary intelligence in the 
matter. 

Fox was the man who robbed Knox & Drury's office at Rock 
Island. He got about six hundred dollars. Baxter also planned 
that robbery, and told Fox where to find the money. This was 
previous to the robbery of Col. Davenport. When Fox returned 
from accomplishing it, I was boarding with Loomis at Nauvoo. 
Fox arrived there in the night time after I had retired to bed. 
The next morning Loomis told me that he had got back, and had 
made a pretty good raise. He said he would be in again in the 
evening. That night Fox and myself slept together, and held a 
long consultation. He said he had the best sight on Rock Island 
he had ever found in his hfe. It was to rob old Col. Davenport, 
who had over one hundred thousand dollars in his house, and that 
John Baxter who knew all about Davenport's circumstances, would 
give him all the information he wanted, whenever he got ready to 
<io the job. It would be enough to make them all rich, and then 
they would quit the business. 

After the boys had robbed Davenport, and I returned from Rock 
River, 1 met John, Aaron and Fox, at old Grant Redden's on 
Devil Creek. 

Aaron Long and William H. Redden went to Nauvoo, about 
the 12th of July, and there heard that Davenport was dead, and 
saw an advertisement for the murderers, describing the watch, and 
a part of the money. It also contained a partial description of the 
perpetrators of the deed. 

Aaron Long returned to Redden's, told Fox, John and myself 
the news, and said that the description of two of the murderers 
was a d d good one of John and Fox. 

The same night John and Fox went out into old Redden's wheat 



158 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRA.RlESt 

field, took up the money and watch which they had got from Da- 
Fenport, and then took the gun and pistol and went a considerable 
distance upon the prairie, and secreted them. 

The money was then divided in Redden's house, Aaron Long 
recoverino; one hundred and fortv dollars for his share. 

Aaron then left Redden's and went back into Iowa Territory to 
steal a horse, after which he was to return to his father's near 
Galena. 

Fox, John, and I, started for JMissouri, and traveled till towards 
morning, when we crept into a large thicket, and slept till after sun 
rise. We then traveled on until within one or two miles of the 
Des Moines River, when we stopped at a farm house and got 
breakfast. Here John purchased some bees-wax, telling the wo- 
man of the house that he was a tailor by trade, and was about to 
settle in his business at Farmington about eight or ten miles dis- 
tant. 

After getting breakfast, we left the main road, jiassed down a 
ravine back of the house, and at a distance of about a half mile 
stopped, and made preparations to conceal the money and watch. 
They told me to take the bees-wax, and lay it on a rock to warm 
in the sun. A portion of the paper money taken from Knox aiid 
Dewey, was put into a glass bottle, together with some money that 
Fox, Long, and others, had taken from a man by the name of 
Strawn, in Putnam County, Illinois. This bottle containing sonu; 
eight or nine hundred dollars, was sealed over with bees-wax, and 
buried near that nlace, together with about two hundred dollars in 
silver tied up in a cloth. Davenport's watch was also enclosed in 
bees-wax to prevent injury from wet, and buried wdth the money. 
When all had been got in readiness for the burial, Fox passed on a 
Bhort distance up the bluff, and buried it. 

We then traveled on in company, crossed the Des Moines River, 
nt an old Mill, six or eight miles below Farmington, and went back 
into Macon County, Missouri, where Fox and Long stopped, whilu 
I went on ten or twelve miles farther to see a man by the nauK! 
of Moat. I desired to ascertain from this Moat, where a certain 
race mare was kept belonging to a Mr. Inyard, who I knew, lived 
somewhere in the neighborhood of Centreville, Missouri. I obtain- 
ed the desired information, and returning, told Fox and Long 



OR, THE MURDERERS DOOM. 159 

Long stole the mare the following night. Fox and I stole two 
horses fit-toen miles from Centreville, on the Glasgow road, and 
took them with the race mare to St. Louis. We left the two hor- 
ses with Reynolds at St. Louis, and crossed the Mississippi, to Illi- 
nois Town, about the first of August. The next night we stole 
three horses at Belleville, then traveled east, crossing the Wabash 
river below Terrehaute. From thence we went to old mother 
Long's in Owen county, Indiana. These three horses and the 
race mare, were the same animals found in the possession of Fox, 
at the time he was arrested and put in jail, at Bowling Green, iti 
Clay county, Indiana. 

This information received from Birch in this confession, in addi- 
tion to that already derived from Granville Young, clearly con- 
firmed the guilt of John Baxter. N, Belcher, Esq., on the follow- 
ing day left Rock Island for Wisconsin, to aid Gregg and Johnston 
in the arrest of Baxter. 

On the same day. 1 received intelligence of the escape of Fox 
from the custody of T. B. Johnson at Indianapolis, on the 16th day 
of September. Upon a full examination of the facts and circum- 
stances connected with this escape, I am satisfied in my own mind 
that Johnson was bribed by Fox. To say the least of it, he was 
guilty of gross neglect, and culpable misconduct. He violated 
every pledge he had made me, relative to the manner of keeping 
Fox. He never confined him in jail, as he was instructed to do, 
but kept him from the time of his arrival at Indianapolis, until he 
effected his escape, a period of eight days, in an upper room of 
Browning's hotel, and placed no other irons upon him than a pair 
of light hand-cuffs, 

George L. Davenport was absent from home, in St. Louis, at the 
time of my arrival at Rock Island. On his return he called at 
Fort Madison, and learned that a gun and pistol had been found 
near old Grant Redden's, secreted in the grass, at the edge of a 
slougii on the> prairie, the description of which, answered to that of 
his father's. He went the distance of eight miles for the purpose 
of seeing them, and recognized them at once. He reached home 
with them a few days after the confession of Birch, thus far con- 
firming his statements. This becoming publicly known, re-awa- 
kened the animosity of the people against the Reddens. The in 



160 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

habitants of Lee county determined to submit no longer to the de- 
predations of the gang, and eager to investigate every suspicious 
circumstance, and ferret out the truth, they raised ar posse at 
Fort Madison, to go and arrest the Reddens, and search their pre- 
mises for stolen property. 

Sheriff Estes, being familiar with my plans and proposed move- 
ments, opposed the arrest of the Reddens, fearing that it might 
prevent the capture of the principal murderers. At that time he 
had not heard of the arrest of Fox, John Long, and Birch. The 
■posse however proceeded to the house of Redden, seized the old 
man, his son William H. Redden, and Granville Young, and lodged 
them all in jail, at Fort Madison. The Reddens were retained 
there, but Young was soon afterwards removed to Rock Island on 
suspicion of being engaged in the Davenport murder. 

From the description received from Birch of the concealment 
of the money, on the Des Moines River, and, from the account 
given me by Reynolds at St. Louis, and from information derived 
from Fox himself, Deputy Sheriff Cob of Rock Island, and myself 
took Birch from jail to assist us in searching for it. Accompanied 
by Wissencraft, and joined at Fort Madison by Sheriff Estes, and 
others of Lee county, we started under the direction of Birch for 
the spot where Fox had left him, to bury the money. We found 
every thing exactly as described by him, the house where they had 
taken breakfast, the woman who sold Long the bees-wax, the ra- 
vine, the old mill, the place where Fox overtook Birch after bury- 
ing the money, but failed to find the money itself. After making 
diligent search we took our way back to Rock Island. Birch felt 
much disheartened at our want of success, thinking that it would 
be still worse for him, after having put us to so much trouble for 
nothing. He was now in a state of utter despair, and believed the 
evidence against him sufficient to prove his guilt. The Circuit 
Court would be held at Rock Island the following week, and he ex- 
pected to be tried, condemned, and executed without further de- 
lay. He therefore considered that it would be useless for him 
longer to protest his innocence of the murder, and made auothor 
confession to Sheriff Estes, which was as follows: 

Confession of Bircli to Estes. — I was present when Col. Daven- 
port was murdered, in company with Fox, John Long and Aaron 



OR, THE 3IURDEREr's DOOM. 161 

Long. John Long was the man who shot Davenport, but the shot 
was accidental. There was some defect in the lock of the pistol, 
and when John cocked it, it went off hitting the old man in the knee 
or thigh. We did not choke and abuse the old man, as represent- 
ed, but frequently wet his face with cold water, as he bled pro- 
fusely, and fainted several times from loss of blood. We wanted 
to keep him alive, to make him tell where his money was. 

Before we left the house, the boys wanted to kill the old man, 
but I opposed it. I never believed in killing. I would willingly 
have staid and taken care of the old Colonel all night, if I had da- 
red to have done so. 

I intend to write a book, and tell every thing I knew about the 
whole gang. I expect to be hanged, and I want to do the world 
all the good I can before I die. 1 know a great many things about 
the boys who are engaged in this kind of business, and I wish to 
tell it all." 

As I was about leaving Fort Madison, on my return to Rock 
Island with Birch, the Reddens, who had been till this time con- 
fined in jail at Fort Madison, were ordered before Judge Mason at 
Burlington, Iowa, on a writ of Habeas Corpus. 

Sheriff Estes took them on the same boat to convey them to 
Burlington, on which I had embarked for Rock Island. 

The steamboat arrived at Burlington, twenty-four miles from 
Fort Madison about twelve o'clock at night. Estes landed and 
went in pursuit of the jailor at Burhngton, to take his prisoners in 
custody for safe keeping until morning, leaving the prisoners (the 
Reddens,) in the care of T. A. Walker, who had accompanied 
(um as assistant. While Estes was off on this mission after the 
jailor, the steamboat left the landing with the prisoners and guards 
and arrived at Rock Island the following day, where they were 
immediately taken into custody by the Sheriff of Rock Island 
county, on charge of aiding in the murder of Col. Davenport. 
During my absence, Doct. Gregg, James Johnson and N. Belchet 
nad returned with Baxter and Aaron Long, and had them safeh 
lodged in prison. 

The October term of the Rock Island Circuit Court, being al- 
ready in session, John Baxter, William Fox, John Long, Aaron 
Long, Robert H. Birch, Granville Young, Grant Redden and Wm. 



162 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

H. Redden were severally indicted as principals, and accessories 
in the murder of Col. Davenport, of Rock Island county. 

Further confessions of Birch, were in substance as follows: 

" The first council for arranging the robbery of Col, Davenport 
was held in Joseph Smith's old council chamber in Nauvoo. 

"Fox, John and Aaron Long, Jack Redden, and Hodges, O. P. 
Rockwell, John Ray, Wm. Louther, myself and several others 
whose names I don't now recollect were present. I told the boys 
I was opposed to robbing Davenport, as I had been at Rock Island 
several weeks during the winter previous, for the purpose of ascer- 
taining whether Davenport, kept any considerable amount of mo- 
ney by him. I became satisfied by good alithority, that if we 
should attempt to rob him we should not raise more than one thou- 
sand or fifteen hundred dollars, as I was informed he kept his mo- 
ney in banks, which would not be enough to pay for the risk, as I 
was satisfied it would be a difficult and dangerous operation to get 
the old man's money, and get away safe with it. The boys disa- 
greed with me. Fox said Baxter had lived with Davenport, and 
knew all about his circumstances, and had told him they would 
get as much as thirty or forty thousand dollars. They all thought 
that Baxter knew better about Davenport's circumstances than 
I did, and thought it best to rake the old fellow down. 

Rockwell remarked, that it was best for us to monopolize the 
business, as there was enough of us to raise all the good sights we 
could find. 

" Fox and myself attempted to rob Beach in Nauvoo, and 
would have succeeded, had not Brigham Young told Beach the 
|)lan. We came near being caught, but escaped, and crossed the 
river to old Redden's. 

" When we left Redden's to go up and rake down old Daven- 
port, we met with Young , and Bvmdy, at Fort Madison. I had 
never seen Young before, but Long and Fox were well acquainted 
with him, and told him where we were going. Young wanted 
to go with us. The boys introduced us to each other, and told me 
that he wanted to join us, and were in favor of allowing him to do 
so. I did not like his looks, and said to the boys that I would not 

have him with us. I thought that he was a d d suspicious 

looking fellow, and that it was not safe to trust him, and as we had 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 163 

been at considerable trouble and expense in getting up the sight, 
that we might as well have the whole benefit of the raise among 
ourselves, as make a further division of it, by admitting another 
partner. 

" Young did not accompany us from Fort Madison, but went 
somewhere up the river to sell a couple of horses he said he had 
stolen over on the Illinois river. 

Aaron Long took no part in the murder of Col. Davenport, he 
being left out of doors to keep watch. 

"If you want to arrest Fox, I can tell you where to find him. 
He and Tom Brown are together, either at Adrian, or at Niles, in 
Michigan, not far from South Bend. If you start soon you will 
find him at one of those places, and I hope you will succeed in ar- 
resting him, for if we are to have a fuss, we may as well all take 
our chances together. Tom Brown and Artemas Johnson were 
both concerned with Stephen and William Hodges in the murder 
of Miller and Liecy. 

*' Fox and John Baker robbed the pedler at Troy Grove — the 
most of the goods were taken to Nauvoo and secreted with Doct. 
A. B. Williams, and afterwards taken to Packard's Grove, where 
Baker remained to sell the goods, and Fox went South to spend 
the winter. Williams i-eceived a share of the goods for his trouble 
m secreting them." 

Up to the time of this confession Birch was ignorant of the plot 
by which he and John Long had been entrapped, and of the arrest 
of Fox. He sujTposed that Fox was with Royce and Tom Brown, 
'the name I had assumed,) near Adrian, waiting to rob the South 
Bend Bank. 

Soon afterwards, however, the jailor at Rock Island, disclosed 
to them, the whole plot by which they had been pursued and ar- 
rested, and that the person who had been traveling in the gang for 
several months under the name of Tom Brown, who they supposed 
was Tom Brown of Nauvoo, was no other than Bonney. This 
information spread with the rapidity of lightning to all parts of the 
gang. Much terror and confusion was created by it, as their fu- 
ture safety depended on my destruction, as by my successful stra- 
tagem, I had obtained an extensive knowledge of their operations. 
All their exertions therefore were immediately brought to bear to 
accomplish this purpose. 



164 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

The disclosures of Birch led to an attempt to arrest Jack R»id- 
den, as accessory to the murder of Col. Davenport. L. E. John- 
son was deputied to make the arrest, under authority of a warrant 
issued by Miles W. Conway, Esq., Justice of the Peace. 

Johnson repaired to Nauvoo, accompanied by Mr. Bradley of 
Burlington, Iowa. In attempting to make this arrest, these gen- 
tlemen were attacked by a large number of the Mormon gang, 
friendly to Redden, and after being severely beaten and wounded, 
were compelled to abandon the attempt. Mob law was triumph- 
ant, and the arm of the law of the land utterly powerless. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM.' 165 



CHAPTER XVII. 

TRIAL OP GRANVILLE YOUNG AND THE TWO LONGS. 

The regular sessions of the Rock Island Circuit Court commen- 
ced on the 6th day of October, 1845, his Honor, Judge Brown, 
presiding. T. J. Turner, Esq., State's Attorney. 

The same day, the Grand Jury found bills of 'ndictment against 
Birch, Fox, the two Longs, Baxter and Young for the murder of 
Col. George Davenport. Baxter was remanded to jail, and Young 
and the two Longs put upon trial. 

A large number of jurymen were challenged for cause, and a 
few peremptorily. It was not till Thursday that a full jury was 
sworn. 

The case for the prosecution was opened by Mr. Mitchell. 

Mr,. Wilkinson opened for the prisoners. The first witness in- 
troduced by the prosecution was Doct. P. Gregg, who being sworn 
said: 

*' I am a physician and surgeon. On the 4th day of July last, 
I was summoned to attend at the house of Col. Davenport. Upon 
arriving there I found Doctors Witherwax and Brown, up stairs 
with the Colonel, who was lying on the bed, with a gun shot 
wound in his left thigh. On examination, it was decided that the 
wound required no great attention. The Colonel was sinking fast, 
from exhaustation, in great agony, and cold from head to foot. I 
examined the wound, and found that there had been a profuse flow 
of blood. The blood was every where. The house looked like a 
butcher's shamble — blood in the sitting room, in the hall, and along 
up the stairs, and in the closet by the safe was a pool of blood, and 
in the room below there was the same. On the door case of the 
closet containing the safe, was the mark of a bloody hand. The 
left leg of his pantaloons, and the bed cloths were saturated with 
blood. I observed acontussion on his left arm or side, and he ap- 
peared as if he had been bruised or beaten. The gun shot wound, 



166 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! 

and bad treatment killed him. I am of the opinion that any man 
of his age, without assistance, would have died of the gun shot 
wound. He was shot that day. I heard his dying declarations. 
He said he expected to die, and was not afraid. Said he was set- 
ting in his front room, when hearing a noise in the back part of the 
house, he fancied it was some one at the well after water. The 
noise continuing, he arose to go and see what it was, when he was 
instantly assailed by three or more men. One of them shot him 
through the thigh, and these all rushed upon him, threw him down, 
bound and blindfolded him. The I'obbers forced him up stairs, 
dragging him by the neck to the closet, where his iron safe was 
placed, and being unable to open it themselves, compelled him to 
do so. They then forced him into his bed in another room, and 
choked him until he was almost dead. 

" His whole body was cold, and he entreated continually for 
something to ease him, and while we were rubbing his wounded 
leg, he would still call on us to rub it. 

"After the robbers had placed him on the bed, they inquired for 
more money. He told them that there was money in the bureau. 
On examining it, they mistook the drawer, and found no money, 
upon which they choked him until he was nearly senseless. They 
made him drink water, and threw it upon him, to bring him too 
again. One of the robbers was a short slim man, to whom the 
Colonel made frequent allusion. 

" The Colonel died that day, I was with him at the time." 

Cross Examined. — The Colonel seemed to know that he was in 
a dying condition; I endeavored to encourage him, but could not 
efface the impression. He said they rushed on him, bandaged liis 
eyes, and tied his arms and legs. 

Examination in Chief ?'esumed. — He stated that the men got 
between six and seven hundred dollars in gold, silver, and Missouri 
bank notes, with his gold watch and chain. 

Benjamin Cole. — I was out on the 4th day of July fishing until 
the middle of the day. 1 went down the river to Rock Island or 
Davenport. There were two men and a boy in the skif}' with me. 
As we came opposite to Col. Davenport's house, between one and 
two o'clock, I heard the cry of 

Murder! Help! For God's sake ! 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 167 

When I said to those who were with me. that some one was in 
distress tliere, and I would go and see about it, they remarked that 
it was probably only a pieee of sport, as it was the 4th of July. 
Hearing the cry again, I declared I would go and see at any rate. 
We accordingly rowed to the shore, and went up to the house. 
At the gate, I was met by a large bull dog and was obliged to coax 
him awhile, before he would allow me to pass. I rapped at the 
door, but no one answered. I opened it, and the first thing I saw 
was a puddle of blood. I went to the back part of the house, but 
could neither hear or see any one. I then went into the hall, from 
whence I neard the Colonel up stairs, calling for me to come up 
there. I went up instantly, and found him lying on the bed. He 
asked me why I did not come sooner. I replied that I had come 
as soon as possible, and was ready to do anything for him. He 
desired me to go for Doctor Brown, who he said was near the 
house, being in attendance at a pic-nic party, on the Island. I told 
the men to stay, and I ran for the Doctor. On my return, I sent 
the news to Davenport, and Rock Island. Doctor Brown and my- 
self watched the Colonel, and found the wound, which had nearly 
done bleeding. He said that a gang of robbers had broken into 
his house, taken all his money, and murdered him. 

Cross examhied. — The Colonel said that one of the gang was a 
small sized man. He shot him, and then they jumped on him. 
The handkerchief was oft' his head, and on the bed; he said he 
was dying. 

Robert Birch sicorn. — John Long told me that he and his brother 
Aaron, and Fox, and Lee or Little Brown had been at Rock Island, 
and robbed old Colonel Davenport. They had accidentally shot 
him. 

Birch's evidence on this trial, was almost word for word like his 
fint confession. 

He stated that no inducement had been held out to him to testify, 
but he gave his evidence voluntarily. 

George L. Davenport sworn. — On the 4th day of July last, I 
went to my father's house on the Island, in company with Doctor 
Gregg. 1 found my father suffering, in extreme pain. He told 
me he had been robbed and murdered. That three persons had 



IGS THn EANL'ITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

attacked him, one of whom had shot him. They had bound him 
dragged him up stairs by the shirt collar, and choked him nearh 
to death, to make him disclose where his money was concealed 
The man who shot him had on a cloth cap, and was a small slim 
man. They told him they would burn the house, and him in it, if 
he did not disclose where his money was, but the one who shot 
him opppsed this course. They were disturbed, and left him pre- 
cipitately. The room in which my father was left, overlooked the 
river. He died about nine o'clock that night. 

1 got father's gun and pistol about nine miles below Fort Madi-- 
son, at a Mr. Hopkins. They were found in a slough near by. 1 
had no difficulty in identifying them. The gun had a Dutch name 
on it, silver pegs, and a split on the side of the stock. 

He also identified the watch chain and seal as having belonged 
to his father. 

Cross examined. — Father said that they fired at him, and that 
he rushed for his cane. They followed him and bandaged his eyes. 
He saw three men, and thought there were more of them. The 
withes were not on him when I first saw him. He had gnawed 
them off before he got any assistance, with his teeth. He com- 
plained of shortness of breath. His tongue, lips and throat were 
swolen. 

Bailey Davenport sworn. — The statements of this witness 
are a repetition of his father's dying account of his assassina- 
tion. 

Frederick Redenburgh sworn. — I was a clerk in Belcher's gro- 
cery. Aaron Long came in and bought bread of me, a day or 
two before the 4th of July. I have no doubt of his identity. I 
saw him on the steamboat in the custody of Gregg and Johnson. 
He asked for the bread in a hurried manner, paid for it and went 
out. I do not recognize the other prisoners. Aaron Long bough* 
bread before the 4th of July, not after. 

John Long was brought before the jury, and his boots were ex 
amined. They were I'ights and lefts, with small heels. 

Mr. Cole recalled. — I saw tracks under the window. John 
Long's boots look like the same by which the small tracks wore 
made. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 169 

Dr. Gregg recalled. — I measured the track unde.r the window 
at Col. Davenport's house, and at Wilson's Ferry, on Rock river, 
and found them identical. 

William Kale sworn. — I recognize John Long. I saw him at the 
saloon in Rock Island, the week of the 4th of July. He bought 
some liquor, and had it put in a pint flask. The first time he was 
there he staid but a short time, and went up the river towards Mo- 
line. He was also at the saloon, and bought liquor on the morn- 
ing of the 4th of July. 

Daniel Stephens sworn. — I found a fine skiflf with hickory bark 
in it up the slough, opposite the Island, about half past four o'clock 
the fourth of July. The skiff was drawn up out of the river, op- 
posite where the tracks led from Col. Davenport's house, to the 
slough. There were tracks which led up the bank from the skiff' 
towards the bluff". There was one piece of dry bark in the skiff", 
and one piece of green. 

Pieces of bark were shown to the witness, which he swore were 
the same as those found in the skiff". No owner had ever come 
for the skiff. 

J. B. Cobb sworn. — I remember having seen one of the prison 
ers, John Long. I was coming from Moline in company with 
Sheriff Andrews. We met him about opposite to Rock Island. 
We noticed him more particularly as he had a pistol sticking out 
of his pantaloons pocket. 

William Fuller sicorn. — Had seen all three of the prisoners in 
Iowa, Long went by the name of Henderson. 

Frazier Wilson svjorn. — I examined the tracks on the 4th of 
July, leading to the slough, and in several other places. There 
were three or four distinctly different tracks, one, that of a large, 
square toed boot, anolher of a small boot, with a fine round heel. 
It seemed as if the persons who made them were going rapidly, 
the heels struck hard, making a deep impression. I also saw the 
tracks at E. W. Wilson's Ferry on Rock river. They were the 
same. There were three different tracks in one trail. 

Grant. Redden sworn. — I know the prisoners, John and Aaron 
Long, and Granville Young. They were at my house in Lee 
county, Iowa. John and Aaron were there the Gth or 8th of July. 
They said they had been to Missouri. 1 think John Long staid 



170 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES.* 

with me all nignt, but am not certain. Aaron Long staid* two 
nights. I never heard any conversation in relation to Rock Island 
or Col. Davenport. 

Joseph Johnson sworn. — I assisted in arresting Aaron Long, a 
week ago last Sunday, eight on nine miles from Galena, on Sand 
Prairie He was at w^ork, haying. We took him to his father's 
and searched the old man's house. We found several letters, one 
written by a Capt. Short. Aaron said he had passed Rock Island 
several times, but had never stopped there. He wanted to know 
what he was aiTested for. He said he could not imagine unless it 
was for the murder of Colonel Davenport, or for passing counter- 
feit money. If for the first, he was innocent. I told him that 
there was considerable evidence against him. He wanted to know 
if he could not be sent to the penitentiary. 

While searching old Long's house we discovered a good many 
things. A large quantity of calico, linen, table cloths, women's 
dresses, and also a pair of bloody pants. Aaron said they were 
his. He said he got them bloodied butchering. Dr. Gregg found 
them in the bottom of an old box, under other things We found 
more than twenty pairs of pantaloons of various sizes, old and 
new; but only one bloody pair. 

I communicated nothing directly to Aaron as to thecharge upon 
which he was arrested, until after he told me that he did not know 
for what he could have been arrested. 

Jesse Maxwell sworn. — I found two coats on the 8th of August, 
about one hundred and fifty rods to the right of the road leading 
from here to Moline, in a thicket near the slough. It w^as about 
opposite Rock Island. Bushes and leaves were thrown over the 
coats. Blood was on the sleeves and skirts, a i)air of kid gloves 
in the pocket of one coat. 

The gloves were produced and found to resemble a pair in the 
possession of John Long. The coats were also produced. 

Jfathcmiel Belcher sworn. — The evidence of this witness related 
to a conversation with Aaron Long in person, in which Long sta- 
ted repeatedly that he had never been at Rock Island. 

JJauid Kirkpalrick sworn. — I was confined in the debtor's prison. 
Overheard several conversations between John Long and Young 
before Aaron had been arrested. They said Jack Redden would 
" shoot." 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 171 

i'"©ung said". 

" "We shall all be hanged. 

John Long said: 

" He was afraid that cowardly Birch would play the devil with 
them." 

I heard no admissions that they were guilty. Young said: 

" If Jack Redden is caught he will squeal like a pig." 

Eston C. CrojTper sworn. — I have been keeper of the prisoners. 
Have overheard a great deal of conversation amongst them. They 
said Bonney would be " nepoed," which I understand to be 
their usual phrase for killed. They used the expression " nepo ' 
seven or eight times. A good deal of their talk was blind, and 1 
could not understand it. 

Dr. H. Brown swo^n. — This witness corroborated the statement 
of others who had described the wounds of Col. Davenport. Those 
wounds undoubtedly caused his death. 

E. Bonney sworn. — The testimony of this witness would be a 
mere repetition of facts previously stated in the narrative. He 
refused on his cross-examination, to state the means by which he 
had ferreted out the robbers, by which he gained the confidence 
of the gang, giving as his reason, that there were others yet to be 
arrested. 

T. A. Walker sworn. — 1 was present at the arrest of Young, 
and that of old Redden and his son. It was at Redden's house at 
Devil Creek. We searched the house. Young said he was at 
Prairie La Porte, on the 4th of July, and had never known Long 
or Birch. I took particular charge of Young on our way to Fort 
Madison. He seemed much terrified, and made many contradic- 
tory statements. I became convinced that he was connected with 
the murder of Davenport. 

The pi'osecution here rested the case, and the counsel for the 
prisoners did the same, having no witnesses to produce. 

It is unnecessary to give the arguments of the counsel, involv- 
ing as they did, a constant repetition of the evidence. 

Mr. Mitchell opened for the prosecution in a clear brief speech. 

M7\ S. S. Yager for the defence, attended to the fact that the 
prisoners w^as denied separate trials, that age and ability had been 
brought to bear against them. Youth and inexperience employed 



172 THE BANDITTI OP THE PRAIRIES: 

in their defence. He protested against any credit being given to 
the evidence of Birch — who was stained with crime, &c., &c. 
He thought that Granville Young assuredly could not be found 
guilty. 

Thomas T. Turner spoke at length for the prosecution, Mr. 
Cornwall for the defence, and Mr. Joseph Knox closed for the 
prosecution. 

The court informed the jury that they were judges both of tht 
law and fact, and they retired. 

After one hour's consultation, they returned a verdict of guilty 
against John Long, Aaron Long, and Granville Young. 

The following morning they were brought in for sentence. John 
Long true to the last to his daring character, upon hearing his 
condemnation, bowed gracefully to the judge, and thanked him, as 
if receiving a favor. The three prisoners were sentenced to be 
hung on the 19th day of October instant. 

The prisoners would no doubt have made a free and true con- 
fession of their guilt after their trial and conviction, but for the 
movements of the gang to suppress it, and at the same time destroy 
any further efforts on my part to bring others of their number to 
justice. 

Soon after the trial and sentence of the Longs and Young, S. 
Height of Keokuk, Iowa Territory, made his appearance at the 
jail in Rock Island, and was permitted to have an interview with 
the prisoners. He met them on the most friendly terms of inti- 
macy, extended to them the hand of fellowship, as an old acquain- 
tance, and told them, that if they would follow his counsel, he 
could save them from their impending doom. 

As desperate men, they would of course resort to any measures 
to effect their escape, and the following conspiracy was agreed 
upon. Height proceeded at once to Fort Madison, Iowa, where 
the grand jury was then in session, and having procured several 
of the gang from Nauvoo, took them before the grand jury, and 
upon their oaths four indictments were procured against me Three 
of them were on charges of counterfeiting. The fourth was on 
charge of the murder of Miller and Liecy, for which the Hodges 
were executed. An arrest under this charge would prevent me 
from obtaining bail, and of course I would have to submit to close 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 173 

confinement. With these several indictments he obtained a requi« 
sition from Gov. Chambers of Iowa, on Gov. Ford of Illinois, in- 
tendmg to have me arrested on the day set for the execution of 
the Longs and Young. 

In the mean time he intended to make such representations to 
Governor Ford, as would induce him to order reprieves of the mur- 
derers, which would give them hopes of a new trial, or of an 
opportunity to effect their escape from jail through the assistance 
of their friends in the gang. 

In view of my contemplated arrest, and the suspension of their 
execution through executive interference, and also to excite the 
public mind against me, the prisoners were to protest their inno- 
cence on the scaffold. They were also to charge me with having 
committed the worst of crimes while addressing the assemblage. 

The officer bearing a writ from the Governor for my arrest 
should then present himself, and take me into custody, all which 
would of course, if effectually carried out, create a tremendous 
excitement against me, and in favor of the prisoners, and might 
result in a succes-sful attempt to rescue the convicts from the cus- 
tody of the officers, and enable them to escape. 

This plot was well planned, and is a good example of the inge- 
nuity of desperation. The indictments were procured. The re- 
quisitions were obtained from Governor Chambers, and presented 
to Governor Ford, who being familiar with my movements to fer- 
ret out and arrest the murderers, and being also acquainted with 
the character of the witnesses upon whose testimony the indict- 
ments had been found by the grand jury, pei'emptonly refused to 
obey the demands of the requisition. He told the messenger that 
he never would surrender Bonney to the authorities of Iowa, upon 
any charge made, and attempted to be sustained by such witnesses, 
as those whose names accompanied the requisitions, and immedi- 
ately addressed a letter to Gov Chambers, of Iowa, setting forth 
the facts, and requesting him to recall the requisition. 

In the meantime I received a letter from Mr. L. E. Johnson, of 
Fort Madison, informing me of the indictments which had been 
found against me, through the influence of Height, Heckman and 
others, and stating that it was the earnest wish of my friends, who 



174 THE BAXDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES* 

were prepared to sustain me, that I should go down there immedi- 
ately in advance of the writ. 

Jn accordance with this letter I at once made my preparations 
to go to Fort Madison. I visited the prisoners in their cells and 
informed them that I should be absent for several days, and proba- 
.bly should not see them again. Consequently, they were fully 
aware that I should not be present, on the day of their execution. 

Arriving at Fort Madison, I called upon Sheriff Estes, who pre- 
sented writs issued upon the several indictments, and 1 surrendered 
myself into his custody, proposing, as one of the charges was not 
bailable, that he should commit me to the county prison to await 
my trial. 

After a short pause, the sheriff said: 

" Bonney ! this is a hard case ! I know the origin of the matter, 
and the character of the witnesses. I have been familiar with 
your whole plan of operation to ferret out the gang of robbers, 
and I will not commit you to prison. No, sir! I will assume a 
Jacksonian responsibility. I never will turn key upon you. Go 
where you please ! You know what my duty is. If you are in 
attendance at the next term of the court, it is all that is required 
of me. Go to your family, or in pursuit of Fox, or where you 
please." 

At my request, Mr. Walker and Mr. Estes wrote to Joseph 
Knox, Esq., of Rock Island, giving him a full statement of the 
matter. They informed him that the chief witness against mo 
was William A. Hcckman, one of the most notorious rascals un- 
hung. A fugitive from justice for several larcenies he had commit- 
ted in the county of Lee, and who was smuggled into the grand 
jury room without the knowledge of any of the officers of the 
court. As soon as it was disclosed that he had been before the 
jury, an effort was made to have him arrested, but he had suddenly 
disappeared. The grand jury would never have found the indict- 
ments, if they had not been deceived. 

In the meantime the day arrived for the execution of Young 
and the two Longs. In accordance with the preconcerted arrang- 
ment of the murderers with Height, each of them in turn addres- 
sed the crowd. 



OR, THE murderer's doom. 175 

Young and Aaron Long protested their innocence of the crime, 
while John Long, doubtless to make himself the hero of the day, 
confessed his guilt, and exulted in his criminal career. He solemn- 
ly protested that Aaron Long and Young were innocent, and char- 
ged me with being chief of the gang, and guilty of murder and 
various other crimes, calling upon me by name, expecting in accor- 
dance with his arrangment with Height, that the officer would 
come with a writ from the Governor for my arrest. He contin- 
ued his harrangue until the time allowed him had expired and he 
was stopped by the sheriff. His last appeal w^as to his friends for 
a rescue. He told them he had always been true to them, and to 
his profession, and his dying request was, that all who called them- 
selves his friends, should 

'•Make a port of entry of Bonney's heart." 

So sanguine were his hopes of rescue, or of executive interfe 
rcnce, that after his cap was drawn over his face, he raised it, ana 
looked off in the direction from which he expected the approach 
of the messenger. But, alas for the doomed murderer, he looked 
in vain. An expression of singular despair gathered over his coun- 
tenance, as the cap again fell, and shut out to him the bright and 
beautiful world, forever. Above him was the clear blue sky of 
October. Around him the broad brown prairie, and the woods 
robed in the gorgeous drapery of their glorious autumnal decay. 
The soft sighing of the wind, the song of birds, the low murmur 
of the great Mississippi, and the heavy breathings of the indignant 
crowd of his fellow beings gathered to witness the fulfilment of the 
just decree of law, were the last sounds that fell upon his ears a« 
he passed away to " that country from whose bourne no traveler 
returns." 

The drop fell, and the three murderers swung off. John Long 
and Granville Young were at once launched into eternity. A mo 
ment before they were breathing God's air, strong, healthy, young, 
full of the bounding blood of vigorous life ! How narrow the 
space between life and death ! Surely the line of separation be- 
tween them is so slight, that there must be some strange affinity 
could science or philosophy but discover it. The sunbeam hidd' m 
by the cloud ! The rainbow that melts into ocean ! The man t' .v i 



176 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

goes down into the grave ! Whence come they ? and where do 
they go l 

The death of the other muiderer was accidentally postponed. 
His I'ope broke, and he fell to the ground. He was immediately 
reconveyed to the scaffold and while the officer was again adjust- 
mg the rope, one of the clergymen in attendance, addressed him, 
saying: 

" You see before you the dead bodies of your brother and 
Young. They have gone, and you must soon follow. You can 
have no hope of escape ! If you are guilty confess your guilt to 
God!" 

Aaron now for the first time acknowledged his participation in 
the murder, giving the lie to all his. and John's former statements 
In another moment he was suspended from the scaffold and his 
spirit passed to the other world. 

There is something repugnant to our feelings in witnessing vio 
lent death, even where the victim is deeply stained with crime, and 
his death demanded and sanctioned by the majesty of law. Such 
a sight leaves a memory behind that passes not away forever. 

John Long was probably one of the most daring villains who 
ever pursued the career of crime. Of his early history I know 
nothing more than the reader may glean from the proceeding pa- 
ges. His personal appearance to a casual eye, was exceedingly 
inferior, but to those who scanned him closely, there was an ap- 
pearance of wonderful activity in his slight but muscular frame, 
and a bold determined glance in his dark eyes, that commanded 
attention. He might never have been a Claude du Val, for he 
lacked the polish and grace of that most pleasant, and accomplish- 
ed highwayman. He was more like the boisterous and resolute 
Dick Turpin, e.iual to every emergency, and bearing his strong 
heart, and high courage even to the gates of death. 

So bold was he in falsehood, even on the scaffold, that he had 
the hardihood to call upon his council to sustain him, by endor- 
sing his statements, that he had expressed a wish to them to plead 
guilty in order to save Aaron, which was a base fabrication, and 
afterwards indignantly denied by them. 




EXECUTION OF THE TWO LONGS AND YOUNG.— page 175. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. l77 



CHAPTER. XVIII. 

A few hours before the execution of the Longs and Young, John 
Long informed a friend of Baxter, that when Fox buried the mo 
ney in the bluff on the Des Moines river, he made certain land 
marks by which he, or his friends could find the money, as fol 
lows : 

''At the point where Fox left Birch, to go and bury the money, 
he made the figures 72 on a large black walnut tree. Soventy-twr 
yards from this tree in a Northeast direction is a small black wal 
nut tree with a cross cut in the bark with a bowie knife; fourteen 
yards from this small tree, due North, is a large stone; midway 
between the tree and stone is the spot where tte money was burictd. 

Soon after I returned from Fort Madison, I received this infor- 
mation, and immediately started in search of the money. I found 
the marks corresponding with Long's description, the fallen leaves 
from the forest trees had covered the ground obliterating every 
mark where the earth had been removed, but after a close search 
1 found where the robbers had deposited their treasure, and found 
three American half dollars, and two Spanish quarters, with other 
marks which proved that the money had been dug up and removed 
in the night, doubtless under the direction of Fox, after his escape 
from Johnson, at Indianapolis. 

After the trials and conviction of the Longs and Young, and 
while the execution was yet pending, a special term of the Court 
was held at Rock Island for the trial of Baxter and the two Red- 
dens. 

It would be unnecessary to give the evidence at length in the 
case of Baxter, being a repetition of facts already stated in Birch's 
confession, and other witnesses on the trial of Longs and Young, 
backed up by his own confession to Gregg and Johnson, after his 
arrest. In substance as follows: 

Confession of John Baxter. — (To Johnson) — *' Jo., I want to tell 
you all about this matter." 



178 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" What matter ? " said Johnson; who had not mentioned the 
crime for which he was arrested. 

"■ The murder of Davenport." 

" Is it possible that you are guilty, Baxter] " said Johnson. 

"Yes," said Baxter, "I am guilty, but I never wanted old man 
Davenport killed. I got into the scrape and could not help it. 1 
became acquainted with Birch, who gave me a description of other 
members of the gang, when they came up to rob Davenport. John 
Long came to my house and enquired for me, but I was absent. 
When I returned, my sister told me that a gentleman had called 
and enquired for me. I knew from her description that it was 
John Long. I went out in search of him, and found John and 
Aaron Long, Fox and Birch, eating their dinner on the Bald Blufl", 
back of Spencer's, with their pistols and bowies out, lying by 
them. They said they had come to rob Davenport, and wanted 
me to do as I had agreed, but I desired to have no part in the mat- 
ter. They to-ld me I never should go home alive if I did not fulfil 
rny promise to them." 

"John Long was anxious to rob Davenport that same night, but 
I told him he would have to kill the whole family. Consequently 
[\ was postponed three or four days, until the 4th of July, when 1 
knew there would be a public dinner at Rock Island Town, and 
thought that Davenport's family would all be there, and that wc 
could then rob the house without hurting any one. I held constant 
communication with them until the morning of the 4th of July, 
when I saw Bailey Davenport and asked him ' if all the family were 
going over to the celebration 1 ' He told me ' they were.' 

" I then went up into the woods above James Copp's, where the 
boys were secreted, and told them the coast was clear, and retur- 
ned to town. When the news reached town that Davenport was 
murdered, I ran up the slough to see if the skiff was there, 1 
found that it was, and then I knew the boys were safe. If they 
had not got away, I was going to tell the whole story, and have 
them taken up. I want to know if there is any chance to turn 
States' Evidence ? If there is, I want to avail myself of it, and 
if I gel out of this scrape I will live and die an honest man." 

This confession with the other evidence doubly confirmed the 
guilt of Baxter. After the usual arguments of counsel, and ;> 




Fox- Lonjr, and Birch, preparing to burry the Money 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 179 

brief charge, the jury retired, and soon returned a verdict of 
guilty, and the Court proceeded to sentence Baxter to be executed 
on the 1 8th of November, 1845. 

In the case of Baxter, a writ of Error to the Supreme Court, 
the judgment reversed and the cause remanded back for a new 
triaJ. 

The two Reddens were arraigned on an Indictment as accessory 
to the murder of Davenport before the fact. A strong array of 
evidence was brought to bear against them, but the jury disagreed 
— eleven for conviction of murder, and one against it, and the pri- 
soners remanded to jail to await another trial, at a subsequent 
term of Court. 

In February, 1846, another special term of Court was held at 
Rock Island, for the trial of Birch, Baxter and the two Reddens. 

Birch obtained a change of venue from Rock Island to Knox 
county. Baxter also took a change of venue to Warren county. 
Both cases were continued until the November term, 1846. 

In the case of the two Reddens, the prosecution not being able 
to obtain the witnesses who were present on the former trial, the 
indictment charging them as accessory before the fact, was dis- 
missed. 

VVm. H. Redden plead guilty to an indictment charging him as 
accessory after the fact, and was sentenced to the State Peniten- 
tiary for the period of one year. Three weeks of the time in sol- 
itary confinement. 

Old Grant Redden was released, and made tracks on the Mor- 
mon trail for the valley of Salt Lake. 

At the November term of the Warren county Court, Hon. 
Norman H. Purple presiding, John Baxter's case came on for 
trial. 

The same witnesses were brought forward, and the same facts 
proved, as at the former trial at Rock Island. The case occupied 
the court during two days, when it was submitted to the jury, 
who after a short time returned with a verdict of guilty as char- 
ged in the indictment. 

The sentence of death pronounced by Judge Purple evinced a 
deep sense of the prisoner's position, and a full and proper sympa- 
thy for him. We think it will not be misplaced to give it in full. 



180 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

" John Baxter ! A jury of the country have found you guilty 
of murder — the highest and most aggravated offence known to 
the law. And in your case ingratitude and the ties of friendship 
severed, and confidence betrayed, have tinged your guilt with a 
deeper and darker stain. The murdered man had been your friend 
and patron, you had once been an inmate of his family, and but a 
short period of time before his melancholy and tragical end, you 
had enjoyed the hospitality of his house, and under pretence of the 
partiality and attachment of a friend, had warmed and wound 
yourself into his confidence and affections. 

" The time also which was selected for the consummation of 
your purposes, marks its commission with more than ordinary tur- 
pitude, you had no cause of hatred or even of complaint against 
the deceased. 

*' Money seems to have been your only incentive, no sudden im- 
pulse of passion, no injury inflicted at the moment, no inward, long 
concealed and 'pent up' malignity of heart arising from wrongs 
and injustice inflicted and often repeated, impelled you to the com- 
mission of the deed. But without any other apparent motive than 
that of gain, on the 4th day of July, a day hallowed and sacred to 
national devotion and festivity, while a whole race of freemen 
wei'e rejoicing in, and rendering thanks to. Heaven for the blessings 
of a free government, and the fancied security of their property 
and persons, under the benign and salutary influence of just laws 
and 'equal rights,' you and your confederates in crime, invade the 
sanctuai-y of home, and coolly and relentlessly slaughtei'ed an aged 
and venerable man without compunctions or remorse. 

" A just and righteous retribution for blood, thus demands the 
life of the offender, not alone by w-ay of punishment for the of- 
fence, or expiation of the crime, but also as a salutary warniuL' 
and example to those who may come after. Remember then, thai 
although the law demands your death, that death is no atonement 
for your crime, nor does it subtract one, cither from the overwhel- 
ming weight of crime and guilt which rests upon your soul. 

" When the penalties of the law shall have consigned you to a 
premature and untimely death, there is a higher power to which 
you must answer for this act, as well as for the conduct of your 
whole life. Let then the space of time allotted you here be spent 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 18 

"n deep contrition and repentence. Prepare yourself to die ! Your 
time of life is short, and much remains to be accomplished. Ex- 
pect not, hope not, for the interference of the executive in your 
behalf, or that chance or accident may aid you to escape from 
your impending doom. Such hopes and expectations will be idle 
and visionary, and will only tend to retard the work of repentance 
and reform, which is so indispensible to your future eternal state 
of being. 

•' Your life is forfeited to the laws of youi country, and you must 
die a disgraceful and ignominious death ! It was not in the power 
of an mipartial jury, or able and zealous counsel, who have stood 
up most manfully in your defence, it was not in the power of the 
court to avert the sentence of the law and save you from your im- 
pending fate. To Heaven alone you must address your prayers 
for mercy and forgiveness — as you must die, die penitent and like 
a christian — and though the forgiveness of the world cannot restore 
you to life, and the endearments of society and friends, yet the 
tear of sympathy will sometimes be shed over your early and ig- 
noble doom — and those who have known you here may not wholly 
curse your memory. 

" Black and unmittigating as your crime may be, however 
much you may have scoffed and derided the laws of God and man, 
you may, if sincerely penitent and humble, still hope for pardon 
and salvation, through the renovating power and stainless purity 
of the Redeemer's Blood. To that benificent power and mer- 
cy, with the deepest emotions of pity and compassion, I commend 
you to your eternal destiny. 

" The sentence of the law, and the sentence of the court is, that 
you be taken from this place to the jail of the county of Warren, 
from thence to the place of execution, and that on Wednesday, 
the ninth day of December next, between the hour's of one and 
four o'clock p. m. of said day, you be there hanged by the neck 
until you are dead, and may God Almighty save your soul." 

The next w^eek after the trial and condemnation of Baxter, 
Birch's case came on, in Knox county. He made affidavit for a 
continuance until the June term, 1847, sustained by a further atfi. 
davit by his attorney, Onslow Petei's, Esq., of Peoria, Illinois. 
The continuance was granted. I had an interview with the she- 



J82 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 

riff of Knox county, in whose custody Birch was held, and gave 
him an outline of the desperate character of the man in his charge, 
assuring him that the utmost vigilence was requisite to keep him 
safe until the next term of the court. 

Through the exertions of his counsel, Lieut. Governor J. B. 
Wells, Baxter obtained a writ of error to the Supreme Court, 
which after hearing the arguments of counsel upon the several 
assignments of error, confirmed the judgment of the court below. 

Baxter's attorney, his other friends and. relatives, however, pro- 
cured from the Legislature of Illinois, a commutation of his sen- 
tence, to mat of imprisonment in the penitentiary for life, where 
he is now confined. 

Birch remained in jail at Knoxville, Illinois, until the 22d of 
IMarch, 1847, when he broke jail, made his escape, and is yet at 
large. 

Thus terminated the trials and disposition of the ten members of 
the Banditti, that were arrested for the murder of Miller, Liecy, 
and Col. Davenport. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 183 



CHAPTER XIX. 

It is due to the public, to my friends, and to myself, that tne 
facts relative to the conspiracy formed against me, through the 
influence of Haight, supported by the false testimony of members 
of the Banditti, should be briefly stated. 

As soon as the several indictments at Fort Madison were pro- 
cured, a desperate effort was made to give publicity to my arrest, 
accompanied by all the base slanders and falsehoods which the 
gang were capable of inventing. 

Many of the public journals of the day gave admission into 
their column3, articles against me of the most slanderous nature. 
After the several trials were over, at the fall term of the Rock Is- 
land Circr.it Court, and I had slightly recovered from the effects of 
a six month's cruise against the Banditti, which was crowned with 
unparalleled success, I had prepared myself to attempt the re-cap- 
ture of Fox, The gang aware, or suspecting my inteniions, made 
one more effort to destroy me, and save their friends. 

The fall terms of court having closed in the several counties 
the only Grand Jury in session was at the United States Circuit 
Court for the district of Illinois, held at Springfield. The gang, 
therefore, headed by the same notorious Haight, brought their 
efforts to bear at that point. 

Upon the testimony of A. B. Williams, sustained by others of 
the gang, a bill was found against me in December, 1845, charging 
me with counterfeiting the current coin of the United States. 

At this time I was on my way to Springfield, intending to pro- 
ceed from thence South, in pursuit of Fox. At Rushville I met 
with the Hon. T. J. Turner, on his return from Springfield, who 
informed me that the gang had succeeded in getting me indicted, 
at that place; and had also succeeded to some extent in prejudic 
ing public opinion against me — advising me not to go to Spring 
field under the present excitement. I determined, however, to 



184 THE BANDITTI OF THE PBAIBIES : 

turn neither to the right nor left to shun the villains, but to go to 
Springfield and meet them on their own ground. 

Upon expressing my decision to that effect, Mr. Turner volun- 
tarily tendered his valuable services in my behalf, agreeing to ac- 
company me and render me such legal or other assistance as 1 
might desire. 

On arriving at Springfield, I called upon Governor Ford, who 
being anxious for the re-capture of Fox, advised me to leave at 
once in his pursuit, and let the present indictments lie for furthei 
consideration. This advice with due deference to his Excellency, 
I declined; fearinc; that it might be construed into an intention to 
avoid the f^rocess. 

I therel ire requested the Governor to give me an introduction 
to the Un ted States Marshal, who, in discharge of his ofiicial duty, 
forthwith took me into custody. 

My n<xt eflbrt was to get a continuance, give bail, and leave in 
pursuit of Fox. Gov. Ford, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Calhoun, clerk 
of the Sagamon Circuit court, voluntarily ofiered their names as 
bail. 

I {earned however that the villains had succeeded by their fiilse- 
hoods and perjury, in arousing a powerful prejudice against me in 
the public mind. Among other things, I was charged by them of 
having sworn away the lives of innocent men, (the Longs and 
Young,) and they alledged that the community of flock Island had 
become so indignant against me, that I had been driven from the 
county and dared not return. 

Justice to myself, therefore, required me to remain in custody, 
and send a messenger to Rock Island to pi-ocure evidence of the 
true sentiments of the people of that county, who were familiar 
with my whole course, and the origin of the charges brought 
against me. 

Mr. Turner voluntarily performed the journey two hundred and 
forty miles, free of charge. 

Had I not already swollen this volume beyond what I anticipa- 
ted, it would give me unfeigned pleasure to publish the letters re- 
ceived by me, on the returns of mail after Mr. Turner's arrival at 
Rock Island. They were filled, not only with offers of money 
and names by the dozen, but there was also a warm hearted, gene 



OR, THE MUKDERKr's DOO.^1. 185 

rous, whole-souled feeling displayed in the communications of Dr. 
Gregg and Mr. Joseph Knox, which touched me deeply. The 
dungeon grew light, and its dark walls seemed to expand almost 
to the beauty and brightness of a palace, as I read them. Let mc 
here publicly record my thanks to them, not the less sincerely that 
I feel it was no more than my due. 

Mr. Turner returned to Springfield on the evening of the 8tli 
of January, 1846, with a penal bond in the sum of two thousand 
dollars, signed by a round dozen of the best citizens of Rock Is- 
land, which he hastened to file in the district Clerk's office. He 
thence repaired to the jail where he found me stretched at full 
length upon a floor of solid timber, wrapped in sweet repose. 
Truly, a clear conscience can make a bed of thorns " as soft as 
downy pillows are." 

I accompanied Mr. Turner from the jail to the American Hotel, 
where we partook of a sumptuous repast, there bemg a great ball 
in commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans. 

What a contrast ! There the dark and dreary dungeon, where 
nought but the harsh grating of the iron door as it turns slowly 
upon its hinges greets the ear of the inmates, as time wears slow- 
ly away, each day seeming a little eternity. 

Here, all the talent, wit and beauty mingUng together, in high 
glee — the eye dazzled with the display of diamonds, and jewels, 
that ornamented the rich apparel of the wealthy and fashionable 
—and time flees swiftly away, as the gay revellers tripped hap])ily 
through the intricate mazes of the dance, to the soft wooing of 
the lute and harp; and as the dawn began to appear, tinging the 
Eastern horizon with the clear light of a bright winter's morning, 
the music died away upon the wrapped ear of the listener, and the 
company separated. 

/ could fully appreciate the contrast ! having been in close con- 
finement from the 25th of December — two weeks. 

The following day I addressed a letter to my friends at Rock 
Island, in which I endeavored to express my full sense of gratitude 
to them. 

While I was detained at Springfield the gang was fully appri- 
sed of my intention to go in pursuit of Fox, of which they doubt 
less informed him. I determined, however, to make a tour in pur- 



i86 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

suit of hiin, notwithstanding it was the express wish of my friends 
at Rociv Island that 1 should abandon the pursuit and return home. 
This would look a little too much like backing out, and as 1 con- 
sidered Fox the most expert and daring of the gang then at large, 
I was peculiarly anxious to have him arrested. 

I accordingly started for Indianapolis and Centreville, reaching 
the latter place, my old field of operations, in four days from 
Springfield. 

Sheriff Gentry informed me that nothing had been heard from 
Fox since his escape, but that it was the general opinion of the 
people that he was lurking in the neighborhood of his father's. 

From Centreville 1 proceeded to Ohio, and after dilligent searcli 
ascertained that Fox had crossed the Ohio river and gone South. 
I felt compelled, much to my regret, to abandon the track of Fox, 
and return to Rock Island. 

On my return to Rock Island, I was shown a letter to Judge 
Brown, who presided at the trials of the murderers, the language 
of which is too profane to give to the public. But as it portrays 
the character and depraved morals of the desperado, and from 
one of the leaders of the " Banditti of the Pi'airies," and being 
desirous of giving to the reader a true sketch, I give it verbatim, 
leaving the reader to judge of the character of its author and his 
friends, the Longs and Young: 

"To THE Honorable Judge: 

"■ If I should use the word honor in connection with a name that 

is as black in the eyes of the world as the d 1 himself. You 

d d old stack of carron. I find in looking over the news, that 

you have passed sentence on two innocent men, Aaron Long and 
Granville Young: and I cannot say that John Loiig was guilty of 
the crime for which he was hung. True, he was in the crew who 
killed Davenport; yet, he did not kill him. /am the man who shot 
Davenport, and beware, sir ! since things have gone as they have. 

I'll be d ^-d if you, don't share the same fate of the Colonel. 

The pistol that closed the scene with him, will have the honor of 
conveying a bullet through your infernal, old, empty skull. You 
cut a figure on a judge's seat. Just take that seat again, and I 
may be d d if it won't be the last seat yo2i ever take. I carry 



OR, THE murderer's dooh. 187 

a six-tarrel revolver next my heart, and I carry her henceforth 
for your special benefit — together with the H — 1 bound jury. You 
may inform the gentlemen, for well I know them; and if their 
blood don't atone for the execution of my friends — the Longs and 

Young — may I be d d. So, lookout; for, by the time thi» 

letter reaches you, I will be close behind, 

" I am commander of a company which will, for one blast from 
my bugle, be at my side; they are true to their cause, and never 
pull a trigger but what she counts. And this man, Bonney, will 
come up missing when least expected. I knew where the chap 
was on the * ^'Uth of October; he knew it best to be absent on that 
day; and well tho pup knows me, that intimately, too. You can 
inform him that he will see me again, and only once more; then I 
am inclined to think his '^ye sight will fail forever. 

**And now to the Citi'^ens of Rock Island: 

** Your rights can neve," be protected while such a judge is per- 
mitted to sit upon the bench; but I shall soon put you to the troubla 
jf selecting another one." 

This letter was post ma-k^d at Columbia, Adair county, Ken- 
tucky, which corresponded with the last track I had of Fox, and 
was undoubtedly intended to be taken as from Fox, although it was 
not in his hand-writing. 

Birch identified it as the producti( t^ of Hiram Long, a son of old 
mother Long, whom I met with in tho forest near the old woman's 
residence; doubtless he and Fox wert traveling together at the 
lime. 

The object of the letter seems to have been to intimidate tlie 
court and citizens of Rock Island, and thus favor the prisoners, 
Birch, Baxter, and the two Reddens, who were yet in jail at that 
place, and to back up the scaffold statements of John Long. Tnerc 
is a doubt however fi'om the evidence and all the circumstance;? 
connected with the case that John Long was the person who shot 
Davenport. If more evidence was necessary to prove that Aaron 
Long and Granville Young were members of the regularly organ- 
i^cd Banditti, this letter itself would be sufficient. As for Joim 

• yn/-. ■ 29th of 0«tober was the day tlie Liongs and Young were executed 



168 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

Long, he had openly boasted of being a robber by profession, sta- 
ting that he had broken through and escaped from eleven different 
jails, and had never before been brought before a court for trial. 

As may be supposed, this letter excited only feelings of contempt, 
and no one was cowardly or weak-minded enough, to attach any 
importance to its threats or statements. 

My return to Rock Island in the month of February, 1846, was 
the closing campaign against the Banditti of the Prairies, and 
now prepared to meet their false charges, and defend myself 
against the five indictments pending against me. 

In the month of April, the Lee County District Court came on. 
Although my health was such that it was hardly safe for me to 
leave my house, I took the steamboat from Rock Island for Fort 
Madison, for the purpose of meeting the charges brought against 
me in the four indictments at that place. No witnesses, however, 
were present at the term of the court, to sustain the charges. 
The gang were too well aware of the feeling of the people, and 
dared not come forward. 

The prosecuting attorney continued the cases until the October 
term, on the assurance from Haight that he would then have plenty 
of witnesses, to support the allegations against me. I could not 
help myself, and was forced to submit to a continuance, and give 
tlie villains six months longer to endeavor to prejudice public opin- 
ion against me, and manufacture evidence to sustain their false 
charges. 

A severe illness followed my return to Rock Island, and I was 
unable to meet my accusers at the June term of the United States 
Circuit Court at Springfield, Illinois. Consequently the case was 
continued until the December term, 1846. 

In October, I again attended court at Fort Madison. The gang 
having discovered that their schemes were well understood by com- 
munity, dared not attempt to bring forward witnesses, and the 
several cases were abandoned, and the indictments by order of 
court dismissed. 

One indictment was still pending against me, at Springfield. 1 
learned that the gang were making a desperate eflbrt. My time 
for several months was occupied in traveling through the country, 
gathering here and there an item, relative to the movements of 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 189 

the gang in the case pending; to enable me to meet and success- 
fully defend myself against them; not knowing who their wit- 
nesses were, or what they would swear, I had no other alternative 
than to condemn them out of their own mouths. Among other 
items, Haight stated at St. Louis, that he would send me to Hdl, 
or the Gallows, if swearing would do it; that he had good backers, 
and a little money would buy all the evidence he wanted. This 
;ind other like threats were constantly thrown out by members of 
the gang and their friends. 

The case came on for trial on the 29lh day of December, 184(1. 
The gang rallied in considerable force, ready to swear to anything 
their leaders might require of them, and determined at all events 
to swear me into the state prison, as their last and only hope of re- 
venge. 

The prosecution was conducted by the Hon. D. L. Gregg, Uni- 
ted States District Attorney, assisted by a Mr. Kinney of lovs'a. 
The attorneys for the defence were Messrs. Logan and Lambern 
of Springfield, Joseph Knox, Esq., of Rock Island, and Judge J. 
B. Thomas, of Chicago. 

The charge of making counterfeit money was fully sworn to by 
Dr. A, B. Williams, (upon whose testimony the bill had been found 
by the grand jury,) and in part sustained by the notorious Haight, 
and some others of the saun' from Iowa. 

The jury however were so well satisfied that it was a conspiracy 
got up against me by Haigfit and Williams, and sustained by down- 
right perjury, that ten of them wished to discharge me without 
leaving their seats. The two others desired some instructions from 
the court before rendering their verdict. 

But two of my counsel made speeches in defence, Messrs Knox 
and Logan. They literally flayed Haight and Williams alive. If 
they failed to satisfy those two individuals that they were confessed 
perjiired, black-hearted villains, they certainly proved it most 
conclusively to the jury and audience. 

The trial took a wide range. The murder of Col. Davenport, 
the execution of the Longs and Young, and the ways and means 
used by myself to detect the villains were all laid before the jury. 
It was well that all this was admitted, for it gave a true history of 
matters for which the people of Rock Island had been much slan- 
dered. I do not think there was a dozen persons present at the 



190 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES! 

court, who were not fully convinced that Haight and Williams 
sought my destruction, because I had been instrumental in bringing 
to justice their confederates in crime. 

1 was certainly most ably defended. No man should attempt to 
commit perjury, if such lawyers as Logan, Lauburn, Knox and 
Thomas are to follow on his trail — they are second to no lawyers 
in the State. 

A good deal of anxiety was manifested to hear Knox. He had 
never before spoken at Springfield as a lawyer. He made a very 
able and elegant speech. He knew and felt that he was defending 
a man innocent of the crime for the commission of which he stood 
charged. Further than that, he felt that to a certain extent he 
was defending the people of his own county, (Rock Island,) from 
the slander which had been heaped upon them. 

The moment of my acquittal from the charge, and entire free- 
dom from the trammels which the gang had tried to throw around 
me, was certainly a pleasant one. I had never doubted the result, 
but I had been worn out and vexed by my long continued struggle 
with them, and was glad to be at peace once more. 

Ten of the jurors signed an address to the Hon. R. J. Walker. 
Secretary of Treasury, respectfully stating that the facts de- 
veloped in the trial proved that Haight, who was said to be a con- 
fidential agent of the treasury department, was unworthy of such 
employment, both on account of his incjfciency, unfaithfulness and 
dishonesty. 

The address specified various instances of ciiminal practice, and 
Governor Ford appended his certificate in support of the charges. 

At the request of many friends 1 give here a copy, verbatim, of the 
communication refercd to with the annexed certificate of Gov. Ford, 
hoping it will prove interesting to the readers of this brief narriteve. 

To THE Hon. R. J. Walker: 

Secrctani of the Treasury — Sir : 
The undersigned jurors sworn and empannelled for the trial of 
Edward Bonney, at the present term of the U. S. Circuit Court 
for the District of Illinois, on an indictment against him for coun- 
terfeiting, deem it our imperative duty respectfully to state, th.it 
facts were developed during the progress of said trial, rivlting con- 
viction on our minds that one Silas Haight, examieed bel\)re us as 



OR, THE MURDERER S DOOM. 191 

a witness on said trial, and said to be a confidential agent of the 
treasury department for the detection and punishment of counter- 
feiters, is unworthy of such employment. 

Impelled by this conviction, we therefore charge that the said 
Haight is an unfit depository of the confidence of the Gov- 
ernment, in the important matters confided to his control and man- 
agement, 

1st. Because of his inefficiency; 

2nd. Because of his unfaithfulness and dishonesty. 

And in support" of the first charge, it appeared from the showing 
of the said Haight, himself, on oath, that he has never, as yet, in 
this section of our country since his appointment, been instrumen- 
tal in bringing any otTender against the laws of the country to jus- 
tice, although frequently in possession of the requisite proof for 
doing so: 

1st. In the case of one Caldwell in St. Louis, and State of Mis- 
souri; Haight swore that he knew him to be a notorious counter- 
feiter, and at one lime while he (Haight) was in the employment 
of the Government, obtained through the hands of him (the said 
Caldwell) possession of $25,000 or $i30,000 of counterfeit money 
in St. Louis, but took no steps for his arrest or punishment, with 
this evidence of his guilt upon him. 

2nd. It further appeared to our satisfaction, that the said Haight 
has long known of the guilt of one A. B. Williams, hereinafter 
particularly named, in the matter of counterfeiting, but suf- 
ferred him to go unpunished and unprosecuted for a longtime; and 
when the said Williams was at length indicted, had the prosecu- 
tions against him unlawfully and dishonestly dismissed. 

In support of our second charge we say, that we are satisfied 
that the said Haight has used the power confided to him by the 
Government, more for the purpose of defeating than of effecting 
the ends of Justice; that the circumstances connected with the 
only prosecutions ever set on foot by hitri, the time of their com- 
mencement, the manner of conducting them, and the disposition 
made of them, all tend to show that such was the fact. 

1st, It appears from Haight's own statements that no steps were 
ever taken by him for the prosecution of Bormey on the charge of 
counterfeiting, until after he (Bonney) had been actively and sue- 
Qessfully engaged in ferreting out crime, and bringing its perpetra- 



192 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES: 

tors to deserved punishment, and when his services in that respect 
were still imperatively needed. That when indictments were first 
found against said Bonney, at the instance of said Haight, the 
Hodges (two Mormon Elders) had been detected, convicted and 
hanged at Burhngton, Iowa, through the exertions of said Bon- 
ney, for the murder of the German family in Lee county, Iowa; 
and that when said indictments were found, the murderers of Col. 
Davenport of Rock Island, Illinois, having been tracked and appre- 
liended by the exertions of the said Bonney, and three of them 
tried and convicted; three of the othei's were awaiting their trial 
at Rock Island, while one of them who had been arrested had 
escaped and was at large. 

2nd. That the said Haight had frequent interviews with the 
said murderers in prison, and afterwards John Long, one of the 
said murderers, denounced the said Bonney as guilty of the mur- 
der for which the Hodges suffered death, as above stated, and of 
counterfeiting, and referred to A. B. Williams, hei'etofore named, 
as a person by whom such charges against the said Bonney could 
be proved. 

3d. That at the October term, 1845, of the District Court of 
Lee county, Iowa Territory, the said Haight did procure four sev- 
eral bills of indictment, to be found in said court, against the said 
Bonney; one for the same murder for which the Hodges had been 
punished, as herein before stated, and the residue for counterfeit 
ing. 

4th. That for the purpose of procuring the finding of said in- 
dictments, the said Haight had one Hickman, a notorious scoun- 
drel and refugee from justice, taken clandestinely and secretly 
before the Grand Jury, and brought back again into the state of 
Illinois, when there were writs in the hands of the Sherifi' of said 
county of Lee for the arrest of said Hickman on criminal charges. 

5th. That when the said indictments were found, the said Haight 
directed the Sherilf of the said county of Lee to take the writs to 
be issued on them, proceed at once to Rock Island county, in the 
State of Illinois, (the residence of said Bonney,; and arrest him 
on them. And one of said indictments being for an offence not 
bailable by law, to imprison him on it in the cells of the dungeon. 

6th. That said Bonney voluntarily surrenderea nimself into Itif. 



OR, THE murderer's DOOM. 198 

custody of said sheriff on said charges, at the same time request- 
ing that a special term of court for their trial might be held, and 
this not being done, the said Bonney being out on bail afterwards 
attended at two regular terms of said court, for trial on said indict- 
ments, when they were at length dismissed for want of evidence 
to sustain the charges in said indictments. 

7th. That while the aforesaid indictments were still pending, the 
said Bonney had taken steps, through the assistance of the Gover- 
nor of this State, to arrest the second time the notorious Fox, the 
guiltiest of the blood-stained murderers of Col. Davenport, the said 
Haight procured one other indictment to be found against the said 
Bonney, in the U. S. Circuit Court, and him to be arrested and 
thrown into prison at this place, thus eftectually preventing the 
prosecution of the laudable intentions of said Bonney. 

8th. That the main agent used by the said Haight in getting up 
said last mentioned indictment, was the A. B. Williams to whom 
refference has herein before been made, and than whom, in our 
estimation, a greater villain, in proportion to his capacity, goes not 
unhung. 

9th. That the terms on which the said Ilaight procured the co-op- 
eration of the said Williams in the finding and prosecuting of said 
last mentioned indictment was, that indictments were pending in 
Iowa against the said Wilhams for counterfeiting should be dis- 
missed, and that the said Haight would use his influence to save 
said Williams from prosecution or punishment thereon. 

10th. That said prosecutions against the said Williams accor- 
dingly were dismissed, and the said Williams, after having repeat- 
edly said and sworn that he knew nothing against the said Bon- 
ney as to counterfeiting, once in the presence of the said Haight, 
did appear before the Grand Jury and afterwards before the under- 
signed petit jurors, for the trial of said indictment against said 
Bonney, (as herein before stated.) and testified that he knew the 
said Bonney to be guilty of the crime of counterfeiting as charged 
in said indictment, and he was the only witness who so testified. 

11th. That said W^illiams, as appears by his own statements, has 
been long accessory to the making and circulating of counterfeit 
money, and guilty of secreting a press, made and used for the pur- 
pose of counterfeiting, in his own house, at Nauvoo; and of har- 
boring and associating with thieves and counterfeiters, and aiding 



194 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIE^: 

them b)^ false statements to escape from the grasp of justice; while 
from the evidence of others, we were satisfied of the said Wil- 
liams' commission of the most heinous crimes, perjury and coun- 
terfeiting among others, and that so far as any moral restraint is 
concerned, he would not halt in the commission of any crime. 

12th. That in our estimation, the said Haight cannot have been 
ignorant of either the character or crimes of the said Williams, 
and yet, has not only never brought him to justice, but, on the 
other hand, as already shewn, has aided him in evading and esca- 
ping its just demands upon him. 

Vouching for the truth of the foregoing statements, and lully 
impressed with the correctness of the charges based upon them, 
we therefore respectfully recommend the removal of the said Silas 
Haight from the position of confidential agent of the Treasury 
Department, if his services in that capacity have not already been 
dispensed with. We are, very respectfully, 

Your ob't. servants, 
Wm. Prentis, Geo. W. Clixkenbeard, 

S. F. McCrillis, C. Francis, 

Robert M. Pattrrson, .Torn Van Horn, 

S. P. Shope, Robert Worthen, 

J. M. Warren, Michael Kennedy. 



GOVERNOR FORD'S CERTIFICATE. 

I, Tho:\ias Ford, late Governor of Illinois, do certify that I 
was present during the whole trial of Edward Bonney for coun- 
terfeiting, at the December term, 1846, of the U. S. Circuit Court, 
for the District of Illinois, and heard all the evidence, and 1 fully 
concur in the truth of the above statements of the jurors in the 
case. And I was fully persuaded from the evidence adduced, that 
the prosecution was put on foot, so far as Haight and the other 
witnesses against Bonney were concerned, to be revencred on hin> 
for feri'cting out and bringing to punishment the murderers of 
Col. Davenport. And for the further object of stopping Bonney 
from pursuing the residue of said murderers, then and yet at 
large. THOMAS FORD. 

Jan. Gth, 1847. 




JOHN liONQ. 



OS, THE murderer's DOOM. 195 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

1 have at length brought my narrative to a close. My principal 
jeason in giving it to the M'orld will be evident to all — that is, to 
place before the public a true statement of matters virhich have 
been much misrepresented and misunderstood. Any defence of 
myself which may appear in these pages, 1 am proud to say was 
not needed among the community in which I reside. By them, 
my conduct has always been understood, and my motives fully 
appreciated, but in other portions of the states of the Northwest, 
this simple narrative of facts may seem to enlighten error, and dis- 
arm prejudice. I commend the book to the attention of the read- 
ing community, not for any brilliancy in style, or beauty in senti- 
ment, but simply as a record of true events, occurring in our own 
day, and in our own midst. I hq,ve not sought to make myself the 
hero of a story, and I claim no credit for my successful crusade 
against the band of I'obbers and murderers, except that of having 
done my duty to community. In looking back over the transac- 
tions connected with the pursuit and capture of these men, I can 
recall no one act which I regret, for I believe that circumstances 
justified the deceit which I adopted to accomplish their detection. 
Moralists and enthusiasts may plant themselves upon the position 
that deceit is never justifiable. I the spirit of a lower but far more 
practical philosophy, I can only point to the result, and venture to 
assert my own belief that the end justifies the means. I felt com- 
pelled to meet the gang with their own weapons, and had I fol- 
lowed the stern tenets of a high morality, the scafibid and jail 
would have been without their just appendages. "Verily! the 
children of the world are wiser in their day and generation than 
the children of light ! " 

So far as my narrative alludes to life in the West, I believe that 
It presents true and faithful pictures, confined it is true, generally, 
to a class of the community whose characters develope only the 
worst aspects of human nature. Such delineations, however, can- 
not but have their interest even to the fair and gentle reader who 
may chance to peruse these pages — a fearful and abhoiTcnt inte- 
rest it is true, but no less absorbing t'ian the fanciful crimes which 



196 THE BANDITTI OF THE PRAIRIES. 

fill the pages of poetry and romance, adorned though they may 
be by the master skill of genius. 

Could I have drawn upon the imagination it would have given 
me pleasure to consign to their just punishment all the base and 
cowardly murderers of the venerable Davenport. Althougn the 
man who did the deed perished on the scafTold, the master spirit, 
he who planned and controlled and guided in the whole transaction 
escaped through the basest treachery and villainy. Yet who shall 
say that the pangs of remorse, and the fearful shadows of his 
darkened life forever clustering around his heart, the ghost of his 
murdered victim rising before him, when he lies dawn to sleep 
and when he awakes, may not be inflicting upon him a continual 
punishment, more fearful to bear than the darkness of the dungeon, 
or the terrors of the scatTold ? His end is sure ! Sooner or later 
his sun will set in blood. Under other names, and in remote re- 
regions of our country, Fox and Birch are doubtless still pursuing 
their career of crime; but the arm of the law or the vengeance 
of heaven will overtake them at last. 

1 would, also, if I had brought imagination to my aid, have 
endeavored to add more interest to my several characters, by em- 
bellishing them with some fancied attributes, which would have 
made their villainy more splendid and attractive; one should have 
had the graceful rascality of a Paul Clifford, another the daring 
address of a Robert Macue, and another the deadly brutality of a 
Black Beard. I would have endeavored to have thrown the 
charm of some manly qualities around my precious rascals, but as 
it is, I give you "a plain, unvarnished tale" — a record of unmit- 
ligated vice, and cowardly crime. 

The result of the trial and punishment of the murderers of Daven 
port, has been to completely rout and disperse the gang from tlic 
North and Western part of the State of Illinois, and from Iowa, 
their former theatre of operations, to which I trust they will never 
reluru. 



o,j> 



TU/5 END. 

966® 



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